Raoni Barcelos Speaks Out After UFC Vegas 121 Headliner Knockout: “I Promised a Great Fight and I Fulfilled What I Promised”
Raoni Barcelos has spoken for the first time since his concerning knockout defeat at UFC Vegas 121.
Barcelos appeared to be in a strong position heading into the final round against Raul Rosas Jr. this past Saturday. He was leading on all three judges' scorecards when the fight took a drastic turn. Rosas secured what seemed like a standard takedown, but Barcelos was unresponsive and had to be carried out of the octagon on a stretcher.
Initial updates from the UFC and Barcelos’ coach eased much of the worry. Now, the veteran fighter, with 28 fights to his name, has shared his initial thoughts since the bout. Barcelos conveyed a positive outlook in the comments section of a post on the UFC Brasil Instagram page.
“Hey, guys, I want to let you all know that I’m doing great and as soon as I can I will send you all a video!” Barcelos stated. “Thank you so much for everyone’s love and prayers! I promised a great fight and I fulfilled what I promised. Thank you God and everyone who fought together with me inside and out of that cage.”
There's a prevailing theory that Rosas' head accidentally made contact with Barcelos' chin, causing the knockout. Some are suggesting the fight's outcome should be overturned to a no contest, though there has been no official word on whether this will be reviewed.
Before this fight, Barcelos had won five consecutive bouts. It remains to be seen how quickly the 39-year-old fighter can make a return to the Octagon, but for now, fans can be relieved that UFC Vegas 121 did not result in a tragedy.
Raoni Barcelos Comments After UFC Vegas 121 Loss
Raoni Barcelos has issued his first statement following a concerning knockout loss in the main event of UFC Vegas 121. Barcelos was reportedly winning the fight on the scorecards before an accidental headbutt during a takedown attempt rendered him unconscious. He was stretchered out of the Octagon, causing significant alarm.
Positive updates from UFC officials and Barcelos’ coach have since provided reassurance regarding his condition. The 28-fight veteran shared his thoughts via Instagram, appearing to be in good spirits. He expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support and confirmed he had delivered the performance he promised.
“Hey, guys, I want to let you all know that I’m doing great and as soon as I can I will send you all a video!” Barcelos wrote. “Thank you so much for everyone’s love and prayers! I promised a great fight and I fulfilled what I promised. Thank you God and everyone who fought together with me inside and out of that cage.”
The incident has sparked discussion about a potential no contest ruling, with many believing the accidental headbutt was the cause of Barcelos’ incapacitation. However, no official decision has been announced regarding a review of the bout's outcome.
Barcelos entered UFC Vegas 121 on a five-fight winning streak. The timeline for his return to competition is uncertain, but the immediate concern for his well-being has been allayed.
Raoni Barcelos Speaks Out After Frightening UFC Vegas 121 Knockout
Raoni Barcelos has broken his silence following a frightening knockout loss at UFC Vegas 121. Barcelos was on track for victory, leading on the scorecards in his main event bout against Raul Rosas Jr., when the fight ended abruptly. A takedown attempt resulted in Barcelos losing consciousness, leading to him being stretchered from the arena.
Following initial concerns, both the UFC and Barcelos’ coach provided updates that eased worries about his health. Barcelos himself then shared a message on the UFC Brasil Instagram page, conveying that he is recovering well and is grateful for the public’s support.
“Hey, guys, I want to let you all know that I’m doing great and as soon as I can I will send you all a video!” Barcelos stated. “Thank you so much for everyone’s love and prayers! I promised a great fight and I fulfilled what I promised. Thank you God and everyone who fought together with me inside and out of that cage.”
Speculation suggests an unintentional head clash during the takedown may have led to the knockout. Some are advocating for the result to be changed to a no contest, though this has not been officially addressed.
The 39-year-old fighter had been on a five-fight winning streak before this unfortunate outcome. While his return to the Octagon is currently unknown, the primary concern is his recovery, and fans can be reassured that the event did not end in tragedy.
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