Barcelos awaits diagnosis weeks after losing consciousness at UFC Vegas 121

Raoni Barcelos still has no medical explanation for why he lost consciousness during the fifth round of his UFC Vegas 121 main event against Raul Rosas Jr., weeks after being rushed to a Level 1 trauma center following the incident. Rosas Jr. was awarded a technical knockout victory after Barcelos collapsed during a grappling exchange against the fence, despite the Brazilian leading on all three judges’ scorecards at the time.

Barcelos, 39, told MMA Fighting that he is undergoing an extensive battery of tests in Las Vegas but that doctors have yet to release their findings. “Unfortunately, we don’t know what happened,” he said. “It was a sudden illness. I fell ill and I felt my whole body really starting to go numb. After that, I don’t remember anything. I only remember [arriving] in the ambulance, asking my father what happened, and him trying to explain it as best as he could.”

The veteran fighter described the experience as deeply disorienting, with his clearest memory being the moment he regained awareness en route to hospital. “I got sick and to this day we still don’t understand,” he added. “I’m undergoing a battery of tests here in [Las] Vegas. I had another on Monday and we’re waiting for a good result. The doctor hasn’t released the results yet and everything is being kept confidential. But I feel better every day.”

Barcelons entered the bout riding a five-fight winning streak and carrying an 11-5 record inside the UFC, where he has competed since 2018. His career ledger stands at 22-6, with notable victories over Said Nurmagomedov, Cody Garbrandt, and Payton Talbott.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his health, Barcelos said he hopes to continue his fighting career, though he has not ruled out retirement pending the outcome of his medical evaluation.