x
Barcelos Conscious After UFC Vegas 121 Collapse
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Raoni Barcelos was conscious after collapsing at the conclusion of his main event fight with Raul Rosas Jr. at UFC Vegas 121, according to initial reports from the scene.

The Brazilian veteran fell to the canvas after going five rounds with an opponent 18 years his junior, prompting cageside doctors to check his pulse multiple times as he breathed unsteadily. MMA Mania confirmed Barcelos was awake in the immediate aftermath, though a full medical update had not been released at the time of reporting.

Medical Concerns Shadow UFC Vegas 121 Main Event

Fighter and analyst Andrew Richardson described the scene as harrowing. Writing for MMA Mania, he noted that consciousness alone does not guarantee wellbeing in the hours and days that follow such an incident. Barcelos was awarded a $100,000 Fight of the Night bonus for the five-round bout.

No fighter has died inside the Octagon during a UFC event. Deaths in MMA remain extremely rare and have historically stemmed from weight-cutting complications rather than cage action.

The promotion has not announced a timeline for Barcelos' medical clearance or potential return.

Reported via:

  • MMA Mania — UFC Vegas 121, The Morning After: Here’s what it will look like when somebody dies in the Octagon

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!