UFC Analyst Urges Raoni Barcelos to Retire After Devastating KO

A prominent UFC analyst suggests Raoni Barcelos should consider ending his MMA career after a concerning incident in the Octagon at UFC Vegas 121.

Veteran bantamweight Raoni Barcelos experienced a difficult night at UFC Vegas 121 last Saturday, facing Raul Rosas Jr. in a highly anticipated bout. The fight was a high-paced contest until Rosas Jr. secured a fifth-round knockout with a slam.

Barcelos was immediately transported to a nearby hospital after losing consciousness. Fortunately, he is now conscious, has regained movement, and is expected to fully recover.

One of the commentators for UFC Vegas 121 believes Barcelos should step away from fighting following the disturbing scene at the event.

Paul Felder: Barcelos' Body Showed Signs of Giving Out

On a recent episode of the Believe You Me podcast, UFC Vegas 121 commentator Paul Felder urged Barcelos to retire after the severe loss.

“They should give Raoni, like, another five (hundred thousand) on top of (the Fight of the Night bonus) for whatever, because that might be it for him. I think, no matter what, I’d love to see him retire. Hey, your body gave out on you to some degree. Unless it comes back that it was just some fluke thing, but to get rushed to the trauma center, and you’re 39?” Felder remarked about Barcelos.

“There’s still just so many questions out there on what really went down, and if they even know. That’s the scarier part: what if they can’t even pinpoint what exactly caused that? You’ve got to be done with combat sports,” Felder continued. “And if so, what a career this guy’s had. At 39, what a resurgence he’s had. Thoughts and prayers to his family. I really hope he’s OK. It was really sad to see.”

Prior to UFC Vegas 121, the 39-year-old Barcelos had won five consecutive fights, including notable victories against Cody Garbrandt and Payton Talbott.