Barcelos reassures fans he is 'really fine' after stretcher exit at UFC Vegas 121

Raoni Barcelos has broken his silence after one of the most alarming finishes in recent UFC memory, telling fans he is “really fine” following his fifth-round stoppage loss to Raul Rosas Jr. in the UFC Vegas 121 main event at Meta Apex on Saturday.

Barcelos appeared to go limp during an exchange with Rosas Jr. late in the fight, prompting the referee to wave it off and medical staff to remove him from the Octagon on a stretcher. He was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation, with the UFC later confirming he was conscious, stable, alert and responsive.

The Brazilian bantamweight addressed supporters directly in the comments section of a post on the UFC Brazil Instagram account. “Hello everyone, I just want to say to all of you that I’m really fine and as soon as possible I’ll do a video for you guys,” Barcelos wrote. “I promised a great fight and delivered. Thank you, God and everyone that fought with me inside and outside of that Octagon.”

Barcelons’ coach, Davi Ramos, had already moved to calm concerns before the fighter’s own statement, reassuring fans that Barcelos was doing well while undergoing further medical checks. According to reports, Barcelos remains under medical supervision.

The stoppage capped a dramatic headliner that showcased the rising stock of Rosas Jr., who has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young fighters on the UFC roster. For Barcelos, the defeat is a significant setback, though the immediate focus from his camp and supporters has understandably been on his wellbeing rather than the competitive implications.

No timeline has been given for when Barcelos will be cleared to return to training or competition.