Raoni Barcelos issues first comments since scary UFC Vegas 121 loss, hospitalization

Raoni Barcelos has issued his first comments since his frightening loss to Raul Rosas Jr. in Saturday’s UFC Vegas 121 main event.

Barcelos was hospitalized after suddenly losing consciousness during the fifth round of his bantamweight bout against Rosas at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas. Medical personnel immediately entered the cage, and Barcelos was eventually carried out a stretcher.

Uncrowned’s Ariel Helwani reported in the hours after the event that Barcelos had regained consciousness, and was able to speak and move his fingers and toes. The UFC issued a subsequent update late Saturday night acknowledging that Barcelos was “stable, alert and responsive, with full movement.”

On Monday, Barcelos shared an encouraging update on social media, writing in Portuguese in the comments section of a UFC Brasil post.

Translation courtesy of MMA Fighting’s Guilherme Cruz:

“Hey everyone, I just want to let you all know that I’m doing great, and as soon as I can, I’ll send a video to all of you. Thank you so much for everyone’s love, support, and prayers! I promised a great fight, and I delivered on that promise. Thank God, and thank you to everyone who fought alongside me, both inside and outside that cage.”

Barcelos’ coach, Davi Ramos, echoed similar sentiments early Sunday morning on social media, translation again courtesy of MMA Fighting’s Guilherme Cruz:

“Raoni is doing well. He has all his senses, he’s moving his leg, his arm, his hand, he’s conscious, he’s talking, everything is fine with him. He’s undergoing some tests, and pretty soon he’ll be here to talk to you guys.”

“I just wanted to let you know so you can all stay calm. Keep praying for him. He’s undergoing all the tests that are standard in a situation like this. He’ll have to rest because of what happened, but God willing, everything will be fine. He’ll be here with us soon and he’ll be talking to you guys. Thank you to everyone who’s been sending messages, positive energy, praying and keeping all of us in your prayers.”

The scary ending to Saturday’s bout cut short an otherwise impressive performance from Barcelos. The 39-year-old veteran entered the fifth round ahead on all three judges’ scorecards and appeared to be just minutes away from extending his UFC winning streak to six.

Barcelos and Rosas were both awarded $100,000 bonuses for UFC Vegas 121’s Fight of the Night.