After another weekend full of emotions at UFC Vegas 121, it's time to speculate on the next steps in the careers of the athletes involved in the main fights. Raoni Barcelos's frightening collapse during the fifth round of the main event created uncertainty regarding the course of the fight, as well as the athlete's own career. In this context, SUPER LUTAS presents some options for future matchups.
Fights to be scheduled after UFC Vegas 121
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Raoni barcelos
Raoni Barcelos celebrates his UFC victory with Davi Ramos and his father, Laerte Barcelos. Photo: Getty Images/Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC
Talking about Raoni Barcelos ' future at this point is very difficult. Although all members of his team assure that the fighter is well, there has been no formal statement explaining the athlete's true state of health, nor what triggered the sudden illness he suffered during the fight against Raul Rosas Jr. At 39 years old, it's impossible to define a future opponent for the Rio de Janeiro native. However, it's important to clarify that until the frightening outcome, he was ahead in the scores of all three judges at the event, showing that he still possesses the level to compete at a high level, provided he has the physical condition to do so.
Raul Rosas Jr. vs. Marlon Vera
Despite the bizarre outcome, there's no denying that young Raul Rosas Jr. was delivering a top-level performance against Barcelos, showing he already has what it takes to share the octagon with a veteran like the Brazilian. Now boasting a six-fight winning streak, it's time to test him against a former bantamweight title challenger (up to 61,2 kg). Near the top 10, Marlon Vera is coming off a good performance against Charles Jourdain recently, so a fight between the two would excite fans around the world.
Ailin Perez
Ailin Perez (left) strikes Brazilian Norma Dumont (right) at UFC Las Vegas 121. Photo: Reproduction
The duel against Norma Dumont represented the seventh consecutive victory for the Argentinian, one of the most controversial names in the entire roster. She should definitively enter the top 5 of the bantamweight division (up to 61,2 kg) in the ranking update next Tuesday (29). In this context, considering that only Joselyne Edwards would be in her way to face the winner of Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes , Fiona could wait for the unfolding of the top of the category. If she wants another challenge, mainly to erase the bad impression of the lukewarm fight last Saturday (27), the name of former champion Juliana Peña may emerge as a secondary option.
Norm Dumont
Norma Dumont (left) goes after Ailin Perez (right) at the end of the fight and they need to be separated. Photo: Reproduction
The situation became very complicated for Norma Dumont after her defeat last Saturday (26). The great rivalry of the confrontation frustrated fans from various parts of the world and generated criticism from both media members and other fighters. However, unlike her rival, the Brazilian still left the octagon with the second consecutive defeat in her record. In this context, it is of utmost importance that she manages to win again in her next commitment, preferably with a great performance. In this context, Yana Santos could be the best option to remain relevant in the bantamweight category ranking (up to 61,2 kg).
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