Raoni Barcelos

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Raoni Mendonca Barcelos (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.

As of June 20, 2026, he is #8 in the Meta UFC bantamweight rankings.

Background 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.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Bacelos was scheduled to make his debut at UFC on October 28, 2017, replacing injured Augusto Mendes. at UFC Fight Night 119 against Boston Salmon. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Barcelos faced Montel Jackson on April 25, 2026 at UFC Fight Night 274. He won the fight via split decision. 9 out of 10 media outlets scored the bout for Barcelos.

Barcelos is scheduled to face Raul Rosas Jr. in the main event on September 26, 2026, at UFC Fight Night 289.

Championships and accomplishments Mixed martial arts Ultimate Fighting Championship Fight of the Night (Three times) Resurrection Fighting Alliance RFA Featherweight Championship (One time; former) Two successful title defenses Shooto Brazil Shooto Brazil Featherweight Championship (one time; former) MMA Junkie 2025 Upset of the Year theScore 2025 Upset of the Year Cageside Press 2025 Upset of the Year

Wrestling 5-time Brazilian Wrestling Champion