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Moicano hails Barcelos as warrior after stretcher exit in UFC Vegas 121 main event

Renato Moicano praised compatriot Raoni Barcelos for his courage after the veteran bantamweight collapsed during a clinch in the final round against Raul Rosas Jr. at UFC Vegas 121, leaving the arena on a stretcher before regaining consciousness in hospital.

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Moicano hails Barcelos as warrior after stretcher exit in UFC Vegas 121 main event
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Raoni Barcelos was rushed to hospital after collapsing in the final round of his UFC Vegas 121 main event against Raul Rosas Jr. in Las Vegas, with the 39-year-old bantamweight later confirmed to be conscious and responsive. Rosas Jr. (13-1) was declared the winner by stoppage after Barcelos went limp during a clinch against the cage wall, ending a fight that had been fiercely competitive through the first two rounds.

Barcelaos (22-6) had been ahead on the scorecards entering the third and final frame, making the manner of the finish all the more alarming. Rosas Jr. had started the round strongly, and as the two fighters pressed against the cage, Barcelos suddenly lost consciousness. Medical staff attended to him immediately, and he was removed from the Octagon on a stretcher.

His coach, Davi Ramos, confirmed on Saturday night that Barcelos had regained consciousness and was moving around, though he remained under medical supervision with test results still pending to determine the exact cause of the episode.

Fellow Brazilian and UFC lightweight Renato Moicano was among the first prominent voices to respond publicly, taking to X to pay tribute to Barcelos’ performance and character.

“Raoni Barcelos yesterday showed the essence of what it means to be a Brazilian fighter, a warrior,” Moicano wrote. “He left carried on his shield, but he left with all honor and all glory. Raoni Barcelos fills me with pride and hope in being Brazilian, not just in the fight. We have to make these Brazilians be an example for the young people.”

Moicano described Barcelos as a role model for the next generation of Brazilian fighters, pointing to the veteran’s willingness to compete at the highest level and his conduct throughout the bout as qualities worth emulating.

Rosas Jr., one of the most highly regarded young prospects in the UFC, improves to 13-1 with the victory, further cementing his status as a future title contender in the bantamweight division.

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