There’s been a positive update from the UFC on Raoni Barcelos’ condition after he was left unconscious in a freak KO in the 5th round of his main event war with Raul Rosas Jr at UFC Fight Night 289.
Barcelos and Rosas Jr had been engaged in one of the best fights of the year for the best part of five rounds before the Brazilian suddenly fell unconscious after what appeared to be a standard trip takedown from his opponent.
Even after repeated replays it’s still not obvious why he went out cold, with theories ranging from having grazed his head against the cage to having suffered a cardiac arrest being speculated post-fight.
Whatever the reason, Barcelos was left unconscious for an alarming period of time, before eventually being stretchered out of the Octagon and rushed to hospital, while the UFC’s commentary team and Rosas Jr urged fans to pray for him.
Thankfully, news has since filtered through that Barcelos is now conscious and stable in hospital.
“Following his fight tonight, Raoni Barcelos was immediately transported to a Level 1 trauma center for evaluation,” a UFC statement reads.
“The hospital medical team conducted a CT scan and comprehensive assessment, and he is currently being monitored.
“Barcelos is stable, alert and responsive, with full movement. He will remain under medical supervision.”
Barcelos’ coach Ravi Ramos has also spoken out on social media to assure fans that the 39-year-old is ok while undergoing further tests in hospital.
“Raoni is doing well,” Ramos said in Portuguese on social media. “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.”
Barcelos had put in a great performance up until that alarming ending, and was even up on all three judges scorecards heading into the final round, despite Rosas Jr having also fought very well.
There was still all to fight for the in the final few minutes of the fight though, so it’s unfortunate that it ended the way it did, and hopefully if Barcelos gets the all-clear then it’ll be remembered as a classic bantamweight battle where both fighters gave absolutely everything they had.
While we await an official diagnosis, watch below as doctor Brian Stutterer MD looks back on the fight-ending sequence and discusses some of the potential options for what might have happened to Barcelos from a medical perspective.
