What happened to Raoni Barcelos? Latest updates after UFC fighter stretchered off in scary moment

What happened to Raoni Barcelos? Latest updates after UFC fighter stretchered off in scary moment originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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A bantamweight bout between Raul Rosas Jr. and Raoni Barcelos headlined UFC Fight Night in Nevada on Saturday, but the event ended with a scary moment in the octagon after Barcelos went down and could not get back up.

Barcelos appeared to be in serious discomfort after falling to the floor during the fifth round of his fight with Rosas. The fight was called in favor of Rosas, but attention quickly turned to Barcelos, who required a stretcher to leave the octagon.

In his post-fight remarks, Rosas asked the crowd to pray for Barcelos.

🗣️ Raul Rosas Jr:

“Please pray for Raoni Barcelos.” 🙏 #UFCVegas121pic.twitter.com/Ean9nZmWZ5https://t.co/idDBQ5iiGX

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 27, 2026

Here’s what we know about Barcelos’ condition.

What happened to Raoni Barcelos?

Fortunately, Barcelos was reported to be conscious on his way to the hospital after the fight. Reporter Patrick Danna also confirmed Barcelos had movement in his body.

Translation:

Barcelos was transported to the hospital. He is conscious. https://t.co/3nL21JFByX

— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) September 27, 2026

On Sunday, Ariel Helwani reported more good news that Barcelos is talking, walking, eating and “very conscious and lucid.”

It isn’t clear what caused Barcelos to go down, but he didn’t appear to hit his head or get hit hard by Rosas prior to hitting the floor.

The 39-year-old was seen lying on the floor of the octagon breathing heavily before receiving medical attention. He appeared to be motionless as a stretcher took him away.

What happened to Raoni Barcelos here??

He was taken out on a stretcher… #UFCVegas121pic.twitter.com/zIqHtRQomy

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 27, 2026

Here was the scene was Barcelos was stretchered off:

🚨BARCELOS LEAVING THE ARENA ON A STRETCHER AFTER THAT CRAZY FIGHT WITH RAUL ROSAS JR. 😭💔

NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM IN THAT FINAL ROUND.

PRAYING HE’S SAFE 🙏❤️#UFCVegas121pic.twitter.com/7i6w1dFUtt

— FightLuck (@FightluckBet) September 27, 2026

Brazilian reporter Leo Guimaraes first said after the fight that Barcelos was conscious, though his exact injuries are unclear. Rosas was also transported to the hospital after the fight.

Barcelos made his UFC debut in 2018 and is 22-6 as a professional fighter; he hadn’t lost since 2023 before Saturday’s bout with Rosas.