Renato Moicano hails Raoni Barcelos as ‘warrior’ after UFC Vegas 121

Renato Moicano paid tribute to Raoni Barcelos following the Brazilian bantamweight's dramatic stoppage loss to rising UFC prospect Raul Rosas Jr. at UFC Vegas 121. Barcelos, 39, was ahead on the scorecards entering the fifth round when he suddenly went limp during a clinch against the cage, prompting the referee to halt the fight. He was removed from the Octagon on a stretcher and rushed to hospital.

Moicano, a UFC lightweight, took to X (formerly Twitter) to praise Barcelos's warrior spirit despite the concerning loss. "Raoni Barcelos yesterday showed the essence of what it means to be a Brazilian fighter, a warrior," Moicano wrote. "He left carried on his shield, but he left with all honor and all glory. Raoni Barcelos fills me with pride and hope in being Brazilian, not just in the fight. We have to make these Brazilians be an example for the young people."

Barcelohs's coach, Davi Ramos, confirmed the fighter regained consciousness and was responsive and moving around following the incident. The bout itself earned Fight of the Night honors for its high-paced, back-and-forth action, with both men sustaining and dishing out significant damage throughout. Barcelos's record now stands at 22-6, while Rosas Jr. improved to 13-1 with the impressive finish.