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Raoni Barcelos
Raoni Barcelos
Raoni Barcelos
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Raoni Mendonca Barcelos[8] (born May 1, 1987) is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist, former amateur wrestler and grappler. He currently competes in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Prior to signing with the UFC, Barcelos was a one-time Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA) featherweight champion, and a five-time Brazilian national wrestling champion.

Key Information

Background

[edit]

Barcelos was born in Rio de Janeiro Brazil. He started grappling at the age of five under influence of his father, Laerte Barcelos, who was a Freestyle wrestler in the 1980s, competing for the Brazilian National Wrestling Team, as well as holding a 7th degree coral belt in jiu-jitsu. Barcelos won numerous major titles in his youth, including becoming 5-time national wrestling champion of Brazil, 2-time South-American wrestling champion, and winning 4 world titles in jiu-jitsu at the lower belt classes. After competing a few years for the Brazilian National Wrestling Team, Barcelos transitioned to mixed martial arts (MMA) in 2012 at the age of 25.[9][6]

Mixed martial arts career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

Barcelos started fighting professionally in 2012. He fought under numerous organizations, notably Web Fight Combat, Shooto Brazil, and the Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA), where he was the former RFA featherweight champion.[10] [11][12]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

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Bacelos was scheduled to make his debut at UFC on October 28, 2017, replacing injured Augusto Mendes.[13] at UFC Fight Night 119 against Boston Salmon.[14] Subsequently, Salmon pulled out of the fight on October 20 citing his own injury. As a result, Barcelos was removed from the card as well.[15]

Barcelos's finally came on July 14, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 133, against Kurt Holobaugh.[16] He won the fight via knockout.[17] This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.[18]

His next fight came on November 30, 2018, at The Ultimate Fighter: Heavy Hitters against Chris Gutiérrez.[19] He won the fight via technical submission.[20]

Barcelos was scheduled to face Said Nurmagomedov on May 11, 2019, at UFC 237.[21] However, Nurmagomedov withdrew from the bout for undisclosed reason and he was replaced by Carlos Huachin.[22] He won the fight via knockout.[23]

The bout with Nurmagomedov eventually took place on December 21, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 165.[24] Barcelos won the fight via unanimous decision.[25]

Barcelos was expected to face Cody Stamann on March 28, 2020, at UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. Rozenstruik.[26] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was eventually postponed .[27]

Barcelos faced Khalid Taha on November 7, 2020, at UFC on ESPN 17.[28] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[29] This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.[30]

Barcelos was expected to face Merab Dvalishvili on December 5, 2020, at UFC on ESPN 19.[31] However, Barcelos was removed from the contest due to a medical suspension related to his latest bout on November 7.[32]

Barcelos was scheduled to face Raphael Assunção on February 27, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 186.[33] However, Assunção pulled out of the fight in early February for undisclosed reasons.[34] UFC newcomer Marcelos Rojo was named as the replacement.[35] Subsequently, Barcelos was removed from the fight on February 22 after testing positive for COVID-19.[36]

Barcelos faced Timur Valiev on June 26, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 190.[37] Despite knocking Valiev down several times, he lost the fight via majority decision.[38] This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.[39]

Barcelos was scheduled to face Trevin Jones on December 18, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 199.[40] However Jones withdrew from the fight for undisclosed reasons and he was replaced by Victor Henry.[41] The pairing was then cancelled just hours before taking place due to COVID-19 protocols,[42] and rescheduled to meet on January 22, 2022, at UFC 270.[43] Barcelos lost the fight via unanimous decision.[44]

Barcelos faced Trevin Jones on October 1, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 211.[45] Barcelos won the fight by unanimous decision (30-25, 30-27, 30-27) in a one-sided fight.[46]

Barcelos faced Umar Nurmagomedov on January 14, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 217.[47] He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.[48]

Barcelos was scheduled to face Miles Johns on June 17, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 47.[49] However, Johns withdrew due to injury and the bout was scrapped.[50]

Barcelos, as a replacement for Said Nurmagomedov, was rescheduled against Kyler Phillips on August 5, 2023 at UFC on ESPN 50.[51] He lost the bout via unanimous decision.[52]

Barcelos faced Cristian Quiñonez on February 24, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 237.[53] He won the bout by rear-naked choke submission in the third round.[54]

Barcelos faced undefeated prospect Payton Talbott on January 18, 2025 at UFC 311.[55] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[56]

Barcelos faced former UFC Bantamweight Champion Cody Garbrandt on June 14, 2025, at UFC on ESPN 69.[57] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[58]

Barcelos faced Ricky Simón on November 8, 2025 at UFC Fight Night 264.[59] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[60]

Championships and accomplishments

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Mixed martial arts

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Wrestling

[edit]
  • 5-time Brazilian Wrestling Champion[9]
  • 2-time South-American Wrestling Champion[9]

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

[edit]

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Reyson Gracie > Osvaldo Alves > Laerte Barcelos > Raoni Barcelos[6]

  • Brazilian Nogi Champion (2009 black)[6]
  • World Champion – IBJJF (2002 blue, 2003 blue, 2006 purple)[6]
  • World Cup Champion – CBJJO (2005)[6]
  • Brazilian National Champion (2004 & 2005 blue, 2006 purple)[6]
  • Portuguese National Champion (2010)[6]
  • Brazilian National Silver Medallist (2002, 2003)[6]

Mixed martial arts record

[edit]
Professional record breakdown
26 matches 21 wins 5 losses
By knockout 8 1
By submission 3 1
By decision 10 3
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 21–5 Ricky Simón Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Bonfim vs. Brown November 8, 2025 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 20–5 Cody Garbrandt Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Usman vs. Buckley June 14, 2025 3 5:00 Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Win 19–5 Payton Talbott Decision (unanimous) UFC 311 January 18, 2025 3 5:00 Inglewood, California, United States
Win 18–5 Cristian Quiñonez Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Royval 2 February 24, 2024 3 2:04 Mexico City, Mexico
Loss 17–5 Kyler Phillips Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Sandhagen vs. Font August 5, 2023 3 5:00 Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Loss 17–4 Umar Nurmagomedov KO (body kick and punch) UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Imavov January 14, 2023 1 4:40 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 17–3 Trevin Jones Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Yan October 1, 2022 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 16–3 Victor Henry Decision (unanimous) UFC 270 January 22, 2022 3 5:00 Anaheim, California, United States
Loss 16–2 Timur Valiev Decision (majority) UFC Fight Night: Gane vs. Volkov June 26, 2021 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 16–1 Khalid Taha Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Santos vs. Teixeira November 7, 2020 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 15–1 Said Nurmagomedov Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Edgar vs. The Korean Zombie December 21, 2019 3 5:00 Busan, South Korea
Win 14–1 Carlos Huachin TKO (elbows and punches) UFC 237 May 11, 2019 2 4:49 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 13–1 Chris Gutiérrez Submission (rear-naked choke) The Ultimate Fighter: Heavy Hitters Finale November 30, 2018 2 4:12 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Bantamweight debut.
Win 12–1 Kurt Holobaugh KO (punches) UFC Fight Night: dos Santos vs. Ivanov July 14, 2018 3 1:29 Boise, Idaho, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 11–1 Dan Moret KO (punches) RFA 45 October 28, 2016 2 0:51 Prior Lake, Minnesota, United States Defended the RFA Featherweight Championship.
Win 10–1 Bobby Moffett Decision (unanimous) RFA 39 June 17, 2016 5 5:00 Hammond, Indiana, United States Defended the RFA Featherweight Championship.
Win 9–1 Ricky Musgrave Decision (unanimous) RFA 29 August 21, 2015 5 5:00 Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States Won the vacant RFA Featherweight Championship.
Win 8–1 Jamal Parks KO (punches) RFA 23 February 6, 2015 1 2:31 Costa Mesa, California, United States
Loss 7–1 Mark Dickman Submission (rear-naked choke) RFA 14 April 11, 2014 2 2:06 Cheyenne, Wyoming, United States
Win 7–0 Tyler Toner Decision (unanimous) RFA 11 November 22, 2013 3 5:00 Broomfield, Colorado, United States
Win 6–0 Erinaldo dos Santos Rodrigues KO (flying knee and punches) Webfight Combat 2 July 7, 2013 1 3:25 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 5–0 João Herdy Jr. TKO (punches) Webfight Combat 1 January 27, 2013 2 0:00 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 4–0 Jorge Rodrigues Silva Decision (unanimous) Shooto Brazil 34 September 21, 2012 3 5:00 Brasília, Brazil Won the vacant Shooto Brazil Featherweight Championship.
Win 3–0 Fabricio Batista TKO (punches) Shooto Brazil 32 July 14, 2012 1 0:21 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 2–0 Gilmar Silva Milhorance Submission (guillotine choke) Shooto Brazil 29 April 26, 2012 1 1:16 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 1–0 Vitor Riso TKO (doctor stoppage) Shooto Brazil 28 March 10, 2012 1 5:00 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

[65]

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Raoni Barcelos

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Raoni Barcelos is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist who competes in the (UFC) division, known for his background in and . Born on May 1, 1987, in Rio de Janeiro, , he holds a professional MMA record of 21 wins and 5 losses, with 8 knockouts, 3 submissions, and 10 decisions. A black belt in jiu-jitsu under his father, Laerte Barcelos—a seventh-degree coral belt and former national-team wrestler—Barcelos began training at age five and transitioned to professional MMA after establishing himself as an amateur standout. Barcelos' amateur career was marked by significant achievements in grappling and wrestling, including multiple IBJJF world titles at blue and purple belt levels, five Brazilian national wrestling championships, a 2007 Brazilian National wrestling title, and a silver medal at the 2006 Pan-American Wrestling Championships. He also earned a black belt in jiu-jitsu at age 20 and competed on Brazil's national wrestling team, blending these skills into a versatile fighting style that emphasizes grappling and submissions. Before entering the UFC, Barcelos captured the Shooto Brazil bantamweight title and the Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA) featherweight championship, which he defended twice, compiling an undefeated streak in regional promotions. Barcelos made his UFC debut in July 2018 at age 31, quickly establishing himself with a 10-4 record in the promotion, highlighted by victories over notable opponents such as Ricky Simon (, November 2025), (, June 2025), Payton Talbott (, January 2025), and Cristian Quiñonez (rear-naked choke submission, February 2024). His resilience and late-career surge, including a current four-fight winning streak as of November 2025, have positioned him as a top-20 contender in the division, with five first-round finishes underscoring his finishing ability. Standing at 5 feet 7 inches and weighing 135 pounds, Barcelos continues to draw on his deep roots in Rio de Janeiro's community to compete at the highest level.

Early Life and Background

Early Life

Raoni Barcelos was born on May 1, 1987, in Rio de Janeiro, . He grew up in the vibrant, urban environment of the city, where the rhythms of daily life intertwined with the growing popularity of combat sports in Brazilian culture. Barcelos hails from a family with deep roots in martial arts, primarily through his father, Laerte Barcelos, a renowned instructor and former competitor who earned a 7th-degree coral belt. Laerte, a national champion, trained extensively under influential figures like Osvaldo Fadda and Osvaldo Alves, establishing himself as a key figure in Rio's community. This paternal legacy created a martial arts-oriented household, where young Raoni was exposed to wrestling and jiu-jitsu from an early age through informal play and observation of his father's teachings and competitions. His childhood unfolded in this immersive setting, fostering a natural affinity for the physical and strategic elements of these disciplines amid the bustling neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro. This foundational environment laid the groundwork for his later formal involvement in .

Initial Martial Arts Involvement

Raoni Barcelos began his journey in youth, starting with training at the age of five under the guidance of his father, Laerte Barcelos, a former champion and prominent instructor. This early exposure laid the foundation for his dual focus on wrestling and (BJJ), with initial emphasis on developing fundamental techniques in Rio de Janeiro, where he conducted much of his formative training at local academies affiliated with his father's lineage. In his youth, Barcelos achieved national prominence in wrestling, competing in amateur freestyle events and securing multiple youth-level victories that highlighted his technical prowess. His early competitions included junior nationals in , where he demonstrated exceptional skills and , contributing to his selection for the Brazilian National Wrestling Team. Paralleling this, he made his competitive BJJ debut at the 2002 IBJJF Mundial as a junior blue belt. Barcelos attained his BJJ black belt under his father Laerte's direct instruction, a milestone achieved through intensive camps in Rio de Janeiro that emphasized precision in submissions and ground control. He integrated wrestling into his BJJ regimen early on, to enhance his explosive athleticism and transitional , which fostered a well-rounded base marked by youth championships in both disciplines and set the stage for his competitive evolution. This holistic approach not only built his physical conditioning but also instilled a strategic mindset, evident in his amateur successes like blue and purple belt world titles in BJJ.

Professional MMA Career

Pre-UFC Career

Raoni Barcelos made his professional debut on March 10, 2012, at the age of 24, defeating Vitor Riso by first-round TKO (doctor stoppage) at Brazil 28 in Rio de Janeiro, . He followed this with a quick submission victory over Gilmar Silva Milhorance via just one month later at Brazil 29, demonstrating his black belt proficiency early in his career. Barcelos continued his ascent in Brazilian regional promotions, securing a 21-second first-round TKO against Fabricio Batista at Brazil 32 in July 2012 and a unanimous decision win over Jorge Rodrigues Silva at Brazil 34 later that year, capturing the vacant Brazil Championship. In 2013, he competed under the Web Fight Combat (WFC) banner, earning a second-round TKO over Joao Herdy Jr. and a spectacular first-round via flying knee against Erinaldo dos Santos, both highlighting his striking development alongside his grappling roots from . Seeking international exposure, Barcelos signed with the Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA) in the United States in late 2013, where he notched a victory over Tyler Toner in his promotional debut at RFA 11. His undefeated streak ended in April 2014 at RFA 14, when he submitted to Mark Dickman's rear-naked choke in the second round, marking his only professional loss prior to the UFC. Undeterred, he rebounded emphatically with a first-round of Jamal Parks at RFA 23 in February 2015. Barcelos captured the RFA Featherweight Championship in August 2015 by outpointing Ricky Musgrave via in a five-round main event at RFA 29, establishing himself as a top prospect in the division. He successfully defended the title twice: first against Bobby Moffett by at RFA 39 in June 2016, and then via second-round punches against Dan Moret at RFA 45 in October 2016, solidifying his reputation for blending wrestling pressure with finishing power. Entering the UFC in 2018 with an 11-1 record—comprising six knockout/TKO victories, one submission, and four decisions—Barcelos had honed a grappling-dominant style through his pre-UFC run in Brazil and RFA, where he rose to championship status and gained valuable experience against international competition.

UFC Tenure

Raoni Barcelos made his UFC debut on July 14, 2018, at UFC Fight Night: dos Anjos vs. Ivanov, where he defeated Kurt Holobaugh by third-round TKO via punch at 1:29, earning Fight of the Night honors for his aggressive striking display. Four months later, on November 30, 2018, at 28 Finale, Barcelos submitted with a rear-naked choke in the second round at 4:12, showcasing his prowess early in his tenure. He extended his unbeaten streak with a second-round TKO victory over Carlos Huachin via elbows at on May 11, 2019, and followed with a unanimous decision win against on December 21, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 165. On November 7, 2020, Barcelos secured another unanimous decision over at UFC Fight Night 181, maintaining a perfect 5-0 record in the promotion at that point. Barcelos' momentum halted in 2021 with a majority decision loss to on June 26 at UFC Fight Night 189, marking his first defeat in the UFC. He dropped a unanimous decision to Victor Henry in his next outing on January 22, 2022, at , as Henry impressed in his promotional debut. Barcelos rebounded with a unanimous decision victory over on October 1, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 212, but suffered a first-round TKO loss to via punch on January 14, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 217. His skid continued with a unanimous decision defeat to on August 5, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 224, resulting in three losses over his prior four fights and testing his resilience amid a challenging period. Barcelos initiated a mid-career resurgence on February 24, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 237, submitting Cristian Quiñonez with a rear-naked choke in the third round at 2:04, despite sustaining a injury early in the bout that he fought through to secure the win. He carried this momentum into 2025, earning a over Payton Talbott on January 18 at UFC 311, followed by another victory against on June 14 at UFC on 69, avenging a perceived stylistic matchup from earlier career setbacks. On November 8, 2025, at UFC Fight Night: Bonfim vs. Brown, Barcelos defeated Ricky Simon by , extending his to four and demonstrating improved cardio and tactical adjustments in his return to form. As of November 2025, Barcelos holds a 10-4 record in the UFC, with pivotal recoveries from consecutive losses highlighting his adaptability and determination in the division.

Achievements and Honors

Wrestling Titles

Raoni Barcelos distinguished himself in as a member of the Brazilian National Wrestling Team during his amateur years, where he amassed several notable titles before transitioning to . He secured five Brazilian National Wrestling Championships across youth and senior divisions, establishing a strong foundation in the sport. In 2007, Barcelos claimed the Brazilian National Title in the 66 kg category, further solidifying his dominance at the national level. On the international stage, he became a two-time South American Wrestling Champion, with a standout victory in the -66 kg freestyle division at the 2009 South American Wrestling Championships in , . Barcelos also represented at the 2006 , where he earned a , highlighting his competitive prowess against top regional wrestlers. These achievements underscored wrestling's central role in his early athletic development, providing the technical groundwork that influenced his later pursuits in combat sports.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Accomplishments

Raoni Barcelos received his black belt in at the age of 20 from his father, Laerte Barcelos, a 7th-degree coral belt who founded and runs a family-oriented academy in Rio de Janeiro where Raoni trained from a young age alongside relatives and dedicated grapplers. This early immersion in a lineage tracing back to Osvaldo Fadda and Osvaldo Alves emphasized a practical, submission-focused approach to the art, contributing to the academy's reputation for producing well-rounded competitors. Barcelos' family ties not only shaped his technical foundation but also instilled a commitment to teaching, as he has assisted in academy operations while balancing his athletic pursuits. As a black belt, Barcelos achieved notable success in both gi and no-gi competitions, securing the CBJJ Brazilian Nationals No-Gi title in 2009 at , highlighting his proficiency in submission without the gi's grip-fighting elements. The following year, he claimed gold at the FPJJ Nationals in 2010, demonstrating his adaptability in international gi tournaments. These victories underscored his transition from colored belts—where he had already amassed multiple IBJJF Worlds golds—to elite black belt divisions, though he prioritized wrestling and MMA pursuits thereafter. Barcelos extended his no-gi expertise to high-stakes events, competing in the 2011 ADCC Rio Trials at 77 kg, where he faced world-class opponents including a quarterfinal loss via heel hook to eventual champion Murilo Santana. This performance in the prestigious trials affirmed his competitive standing in submission-only formats, blending his BJJ base with wrestling prowess for dynamic ground exchanges. Overall, his black belt era emphasized quality over quantity in tournaments, focusing on versatile performances that informed his later MMA career.

MMA Awards and Rankings

Raoni Barcelos captured the Brazil title in 2012. He also won the Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA) Championship on August 21, 2015, by defeating Ricky Musgrave via in the main event of RFA 29. He successfully defended the title once, earning another victory over Bobby Moffett on June 10, 2016, at RFA 39. In the UFC Bantamweight division, Barcelos achieved his peak official ranking of No. 15 following a five-fight from 2018 to 2020. By November 2025, after a series of victories including a submission over Cristian Quiñonez in February 2024, and unanimous decisions over Payton Talbott in January, in June, and Ricky Simon on November 8, he had resurged as a top-20 contender amid a four-fight win streak at age 38. Barcelos has earned three Fight of the Night bonuses in the UFC. His debut performance against Kurt Holobaugh on July 14, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 133 resulted in a first-round submission win and the award for their intense exchange. He received another for his unanimous decision over on November 7, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Santos vs. , praised for its back-and-forth action. The third came from his loss to on June 26, 2021, at UFC Fight Night: Gane vs. Volkov, highlighted by Valiev's late comeback attempt. Barcelos' late-career resurgence in and has drawn media recognition for his resilience, with outlets noting his ability to rebound from earlier setbacks through improved defense and cardio at age 38.

Fighting Style and Legacy

Technical Approach

Raoni Barcelos embodies a grappler-striker hybrid style, rooted in his pedigree and expertise, which allows him to dictate fight pace through seamless transitions between stand-up and ground control. As a five-time Brazilian national wrestling champion, he prioritizes wrestling-led takedowns to neutralize strikers and set up submission opportunities, evidenced by his career statistics showing 38% of wins via TKO and 14% via submission. This approach leverages his black belt in BJJ under his father, Laerte Barcelos, enabling high-percentage finishes from dominant positions like the rear-naked choke. Following his entry into the UFC in , Barcelos refined his striking post-2020, boosting his overall accuracy to 51% with an emphasis on leg kicks that target opponents' base and mobility without telegraphing setups. He averages 4.92 significant strikes landed per minute (SLpM), blending volume with precision to complement his entries, as seen in his unanimous decision victory over where targeted calf kicks slowed the Algerian's output. This development has made him less predictable, allowing him to win bouts on the feet when takedowns are defended. Defensively, Barcelos maintains a 61% striking defense, absorbing 4.40 significant strikes per minute (SApM), but he remains susceptible to explosive power punches from elite strikers, exemplified by his first-round loss to in 2023 after a devastating right hand caught him mid-exchange. His takedown defense is elite at 87%, thwarting 87% of opponent attempts on average, yet this vulnerability on the feet underscores the risks of his hybrid evolution against artists. Barcelos' style has evolved significantly in his later UFC years, transitioning from a ground-focused in his early professional bouts to a versatile fighter who mixes takedown chains (averaging 2.22 per 15 minutes at 31% accuracy) with improved stand-up flurries. At age 38, this shift—supported by ongoing training in Brazilian wrestling circuits—has sparked a resurgence, with four straight wins since mid-2023, including a unanimous decision over Ricky Simon on November 8, 2025, at UFC Fight Night: Bonfim vs. Brown, defying typical decline and positioning him as a contender outside the official top 15.

Career Impact and Statistics

Raoni Barcelos holds a professional MMA record of 21 wins, 5 losses, and no draws as of November 2025, with his victories comprising 8 by or technical knockout, 3 by submission, and 10 by decision. His career striking metrics reflect a balanced offensive approach, averaging 4.92 significant strikes landed per minute (SLpM) at 51% accuracy, while absorbing 4.40 significant strikes per minute (SApM) with 61% striking defense. Physically, Barcelos stands at 5 feet 7 inches tall with a 67-inch reach, attributes that have supported his grappling-heavy style in the division. Barcelos' enduring success at age 38, marked by a four-fight winning streak through November 2025, underscores his role as an exemplar for late-blooming grapplers in Brazil, where he transitioned to MMA in his mid-20s after a decorated wrestling career. His family's contributions to the grappling community, through the Laerte Barcelos Team academy in Rio de Janeiro—founded by his father, a coral belt BJJ master and former national wrestling champion—have further amplified this influence, with Barcelos himself teaching boxing and mentoring young athletes there. Looking ahead, Barcelos' post-2025 momentum positions him for potential contention in the UFC rankings, though his age tempers expectations for a title run amid a competitive division. He has expressed intent to fight multiple times in 2025, leveraging his resurgence to climb further.

References

  1. https://www.ufc.com/athlete/raoni-barcelos
  2. https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Raoni-Barcelos-94587
  3. https://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/raoni-barcelos
  4. https://fightomic.com/raoni-barcelos-profile/
  5. https://www.essentiallysports.com/ufc-mma-news-who-is-raoni-barcelos-wife-kids-and-family/
  6. https://www.profootballnetwork.com/ufc/raoni-barcelos-personal-stats-record-age-height-weight-reach-knockouts-submissions/
  7. https://www.mmafighting.com/2014/4/11/5601206/raoni-barcelos-credits-glover-teixeira-successful-mma-career
  8. https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Raoni-Barcelos-Upsetting-Father-Time-197282
  9. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/14818-shooto-brazil-34-jorge-rodrigues-silva-vs-raoni-barcelos
  10. http://ufcstats.com/fighter-details/b9f28e7045fdfce7
  11. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2024/02/ufc-fight-night-237-video-raoni-barcelos-overcomes-arm-injury-submit-cristian-quinonez-choke
  12. https://intersportstats.com/athletes/3000500151
  13. https://digitsu.com/events/2011-adcc-rio-trials
  14. https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Raoni-Barcelos-Dominates-Ricky-Musgrave-to-Capture-Featherweight-Title-at-RFA-29-90993
  15. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2016/06/rfa-39s-raoni-barcelos-retains-title-in-against-a-durable-bobby-moffett
  16. https://www.roster.watch/fighters/raonibarcelos.html
  17. https://www.ufcstats.com/fighter-details/b9f28e7045fdfce7
  18. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2018/07/ufc-fight-night-133-boise-bonuses-niko-price-chad-mendes-raoni-barcelos-kurt-holobaugh-50000
  19. https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-on-ESPN-17-Bonuses-Raoni-Barcelos-Khalid-Taha-Receive-Fight-of-the-Night-Honors-176083
  20. https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/6/26/22552204/ufc-vegas-30-bonuses-raoni-barcelos-vs-timur-valiev-wins-fight-of-the-night
  21. https://www.thestatszone.com/ufc-fight-night-ricky-simon-vs-raoni-barcelos-preview-prediction-156958
  22. https://mmaformula.com/2020/11/09/raoni-barcelos-leg-kicks-khalid-taha/
  23. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/30448-raoni-barcellos
  24. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2016/06/sponsors-and-boxing-lessons-get-rfa-39s-raoni-barcelos-through-tough-times
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