Barcelos conscious and stable in hospital after collapsing mid-clinch at UFC Vegas 121

Raoni Barcelos is conscious and stable in hospital after collapsing without apparent cause during the fifth round of his UFC Vegas 121 main event against Raul Rosas Jr. in Las Vegas. The UFC confirmed he was transported to a Level 1 trauma centre, where a CT scan and comprehensive assessment found him “stable, alert and responsive, with full movement.”

Head coach Davi Ramos addressed fans on social media shortly after the incident, offering reassurance in Portuguese. “Raoni is doing well,” Ramos said. “He has all his senses, he’s moving his leg, his arm, his hand, he’s conscious, he’s talking, everything is fine with him. He’s undergoing some tests, and pretty soon he’ll be here to talk to you guys.”

Ramos urged supporters to remain calm while the fighter completes routine evaluations. “Keep praying for him,” he said. “He’s undergoing all the tests that are standard in a situation like this. He’ll have to rest because of what happened, but God willing, everything will be fine.”

The collapse came at a particularly cruel moment for Barcelos. He was ahead on all three judges’ scorecards entering the final round — one of which included a 10-8 in his favour for round four — meaning he was little more than three minutes from a decision victory. The defeat ended what would have been his sixth consecutive win inside the UFC.

“We had a great fight,” Ramos said. “We practice a sport that we can’t predict, unfortunately, but we know for sure that we were doing our best. Raoni is a warrior, a phenomenal fighter, and he showed you that with all the technique, skill and heart he has. Congratulations to him — pretty soon he’ll be back here with us to put on another great show.”