Raoni Barcelos is a Brazilian mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's bantamweight division, known for his well-rounded skills and recent career resurgence that has positioned him as a formidable contender in one of the promotion's most competitive weight classes.
Barcelos has established himself as a dangerous fighter with a complete skill set, blending technical striking with high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His recent performances have demonstrated his ability to compete against both rising prospects and established veterans in the division.
On January 18, 2025, Barcelos delivered a significant upset victory over the previously undefeated Payton Talbott at UFC 311. Despite entering the fight as a substantial underdog, Barcelos utilized his grappling expertise to control the bout and secure a unanimous decision victory. This win was particularly notable as it handed Talbott his first professional loss and showcased Barcelos' ability to execute a game plan against a highly-touted prospect.
Barcelos continued his impressive run on June 14, 2025, at UFC Atlanta, where he faced former UFC Bantamweight Champion Cody Garbrandt. In a closely contested match, Barcelos emerged victorious by unanimous decision, further solidifying his position in the bantamweight division. This victory over a former champion demonstrated Barcelos' ability to compete at the highest level and marked another significant step forward in his career.
Barcelos possesses a well-rounded fighting style that makes him a threat in all areas of mixed martial arts:
As of late 2025, Barcelos is scheduled to face Ricky Simón at UFC on ESPN 73, marking his third fight of the year. This upcoming bout represents another opportunity for Barcelos to climb the bantamweight rankings and potentially position himself for a fight against a top-ranked opponent.
The consecutive victories over Talbott and Garbrandt have revitalized Barcelos' career, transforming him from a promising fighter to a legitimate contender in the UFC's bantamweight division. His ability to defeat both rising prospects and established veterans demonstrates his versatility and championship potential.
At 38 years old, Barcelos has shown that experience and skill can overcome youth and hype, making him one of the most intriguing stories in the bantamweight division as he continues his pursuit of UFC gold.
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