Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Raoni Barcelos

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Raoni Barcelos made an impact.

Raoni Mendonca Barcelos is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the UFC's Bantamweight division. Before joining the UFC, he achieved significant success, including a reign as the Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA) featherweight champion. Barcelos also boasts a strong background in wrestling, holding the title of five-time Brazilian national wrestling champion, along with experience as a grappler.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2012: Transition to MMA

In 2012, at the age of 25, Raoni Barcelos transitioned to mixed martial arts (MMA) after competing for the Brazilian National Wrestling Team for a few years.

2012: Professional Fighting Start

Raoni Barcelos began his professional fighting career in 2012, participating in various organizations, including Web Fight Combat, Shooto Brazil, and the Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA).

October 28, 2017: Scheduled UFC Debut Cancelled

On October 28, 2017, Raoni Barcelos was initially scheduled to make his UFC debut against Boston Salmon at UFC Fight Night 119, replacing the injured Augusto Mendes. However, the fight was cancelled due to injuries of both fighters.

July 14, 2018: UFC Debut and Victory

On July 14, 2018, Raoni Barcelos made his UFC debut at UFC Fight Night 133 against Kurt Holobaugh, winning the fight via knockout and earning the Fight of the Night award.

November 30, 2018: Victory at The Ultimate Fighter: Heavy Hitters

On November 30, 2018, Raoni Barcelos fought Chris Gutiérrez at The Ultimate Fighter: Heavy Hitters and won the fight via technical submission.

May 11, 2019: Victory against Carlos Huachin at UFC 237

On May 11, 2019, at UFC 237, Raoni Barcelos was originally scheduled to face Said Nurmagomedov, but after Nurmagomedov withdrew, Barcelos faced Carlos Huachin and won via knockout.

December 21, 2019: Victory Against Said Nurmagomedov

On December 21, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 165, Raoni Barcelos finally faced Said Nurmagomedov, winning the fight via unanimous decision.

March 28, 2020: UFC on ESPN Postponement

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

November 7, 2020: Victory Against Khalid Taha

On November 7, 2020, at UFC on ESPN 17, Raoni Barcelos faced Khalid Taha and won the fight via unanimous decision, earning the Fight of the Night award.

December 5, 2020: Removal from UFC on ESPN 19

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

February 27, 2021: UFC Fight Night 186 Fight Cancellation

On February 27, 2021, Raoni Barcelos was scheduled to face Raphael Assunção at UFC Fight Night 186, but Assunção withdrew. Barcelos was then removed from the fight on February 22 after testing positive for COVID-19.

June 26, 2021: Loss to Timur Valiev

On June 26, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 190, Raoni Barcelos faced Timur Valiev. Despite knocking Valiev down multiple times, Barcelos lost the fight via majority decision, and the fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.

December 18, 2021: Cancellation against Trevin Jones

On December 18, 2021, Raoni Barcelos was scheduled to face Trevin Jones 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.

January 14, 2022: Loss to Umar Nurmagomedov

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

January 22, 2022: Loss to Victor Henry at UFC 270

On January 22, 2022, at UFC 270, Raoni Barcelos faced Victor Henry after their initial fight was cancelled in December. Barcelos lost the fight via unanimous decision.

October 1, 2022: Victory Against Trevin Jones

On October 1, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 211, Raoni Barcelos fought Trevin Jones and won the fight by unanimous decision in a one-sided fight.

June 17, 2023: Fight Against Miles Johns Scrapped

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

August 5, 2023: Loss Against Kyler Phillips

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

February 24, 2024: Victory Against Cristian Quiñonez

On February 24, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 237, Raoni Barcelos faced Cristian Quiñonez and won the bout by rear-naked choke submission in the third round.