The shocking and frightening ending of the main event at UFC Vegas 121 left MMA fans around the world worried about Raoni Barcelos . After five intense rounds, the 39-year-old Brazilian collapsed in the octagon at the Meta Apex and was carried out on a stretcher. However, despite the shocking nature of the moment, thankfully the fighter appears to be out of danger. According to journalist Ariel Helwani, the Rio de Janeiro native is already awake and talking.
According to the reporter, who shared the information via a post on X (formerly Twitter), the athlete underwent an examination to identify possible brain injuries, indicating that the main concern was not cardiac or pulmonary. Helwani also stated that Raoni was able to move and converse with those around him.
“ Raoni Barcelos is conscious, I was told. He is able to speak and move his fingers and toes. He is currently undergoing a CT scan at a local hospital in Vegas. There are no results yet, but he can speak and move his body,” said the reporter, a leading figure in martial arts media.
Raoni Barcelos is conscious, I'm told.
He's able to speak and is able to move his fingers and toes.
He's currently getting a CT scan at a local Vegas hospital.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 27, 2026
UFC Vegas 121 results
MAIN CARD
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Raul Rosas Jr. defeated Raoni Barcelos by knockout (injury) at 1:38 of round 5.
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Ailin Perez defeated Norma Dumont by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Luis Hernandez defeated Sedriques Dumas by submission (guillotine choke) at 0:57 of round 1.
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Ilimbek Akylbek defeated Mahammadali Osmanli by disqualification (illegal knee strike with opponent on the ground) at 2:19 of Round 1 – TUF Final
Strawweight (up to 52,1 kg): Tina Black defeated Melissa Amaya by technical knockout (punches) at 3:19 of round 2 – TUF Finale
PRELIMINARY CARD
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Brady Hiestand defeated Rinya Nakamura by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:07 of round 2.
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Rodolfo Vieira defeated Robert Bryczek by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Light Heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Christian Edwards defeated Rodolfo Bellato by technical knockout (left cross and punches) at 1:47 of round 3.
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Elves Brener defeated Josiah Harrell by knockout (right cross) at 4:14 of round 1.
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Montel Jackson defeated Ricky Simon by technical knockout (punches) at 2:39 of round 2.
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Alateng Heili defeated John Castaneda by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Strawweight (up to 52,1 kg): Yazmin Jauregui defeated Vanessa Demopoulos by technical knockout (punches) at 1:2 of round 1.
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