Raoni Barcelos awaits diagnosis three weeks after collapsing mid-fight, retirement not ruled out

Raoni Barcelos is still without a diagnosis nearly three weeks after collapsing during his UFC Vegas 121 main event against Raul Rosas Jr. at the UFC APEX on Sept. 26, with retirement remaining a possibility until doctors can determine what caused his body to shut down mid-fight.

Barcelon was ahead on the scorecards when he suddenly lost feeling throughout his body and went unconscious. He was immediately transported to a Level 1 trauma centre for evaluation. The UFC subsequently flew his family from Rio de Janeiro to Las Vegas to be with him as he continues testing in the city.

“Unfortunately, we don’t know what happened,” Barcelos told MMA Fighting. “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 coming to in the ambulance, asking my father what had happened.”

Barcelon said he visits the UFC Performance Institute daily for physical therapy and neurological tests. He underwent another MRI on the Monday following the interview, though results had not yet been released. “Everything is being kept very confidential, but I feel better every day,” he said.

On the question of retirement, Barcelos was candid but cautious. “It hasn’t been ruled out,” he admitted. “This is a very difficult time because we’re athletes, we’re fighters, and you never want to stop. A lot of the time, your body can’t take it anymore, but your mind keeps you going.”

He was clear, however, that he is not ready to accept the end of his career. “I don’t want to stop. Everything is still very fresh for me. Could it happen? Of course, it could, but I don’t want to think about it. On the contrary, I’m trying to enjoy and make the most of this moment in the best way possible.”

Barcelon said he has leaned on those close to him for perspective, including training partners Davi Ramos, Andre Felipe, and former UFC light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira. “They told me, ‘Raoni, enjoy this moment. Now is not the time to think about retirement. I think you can give that answer a little further down the road.’”

No timeline has been given for when a diagnosis might be confirmed.