Raoni Barcelos death rumors debunked: Is the UFC fighter alive after scary UFC Vegas 121 collapse

Raoni Barcelos is alive and being kept under medical observation despite the circulation on various social media platforms of an unconfirmed report that Brazilian mixed martial artist Raoni Barcelos was dead after losing to Raul Rosas Jr. in their fifth round.

This happened on September 26 when the 39-year-old bantamweight MMA fighter fainted during a take down in the fifth round. The disturbing scene triggered rumors online, with several X accounts claiming he is dead. One user wrote: “BREAKING NEWS �� BW Contender Raoni Barcelos has been pronounced dead at the Spring Valley Medical Center after suffering a severe concussion to the head.” Another account posted: “Rest in Peace Raoni Barcelos.”

Neither post was supported by an official announcement. The claim that Barcelos suffered a “severe concussion” was also not established by a publicly released medical diagnosis.

UFC gives Raoni Barcelos health update

The UFC later confirmed a far different picture. Barcelos was transported to a Level 1 trauma center, where he underwent a CT scan and comprehensive assessment. The UFC said he was “stable, alert and responsive, with full movement” and would remain under medical supervision.


Prior to UFC's announcement, MMA journalist Ariel Helwani said that Barcelos was awake and could talk and even move his fingers and toes during the CT scan. It was later revealed by Helwani that Barcelos has successfully undergone the CT scan and is still able to talk and move.

Davi Ramos, former UFC fighter and part of Barcelos' camp, has assured everyone that things were fine.

What happened during UFC Vegas 121?

Rosas Jr. completed a takedown during the fifth round, after which Barcelos appeared to lose consciousness. Rosas stopped attacking and alerted referee Herb Dean before medical staff entered the Octagon.

The official outcome of the fight came in the form of a fifth round TKO at 1:38, which made Rosas’ record to be 13-1 overall, and 7-1 in the UFC. On the other hand, the record of Barcelos became 22-6 overall, and 11-5 in the UFC.

Who is Raoni Barcelos?

The veteran is a native of Rio de Janeiro who joined the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2018, having won five consecutive fights. In his last fights, Barcelos defeated former UFC champion Cody Garbrandt, Ricky Simon, Montel Jackson and Payton Talbott. According to the UFC, Barcelos has had eight knockout wins and three submission wins.

The UFC previously quoted Barcelos describing his main-event opportunity as “a dream come true.”

There is no verified evidence that Barcelos died and no publicly confirmed diagnosis matching the claims circulating online.