Raoni Barcelos: The Brazilian All-rounder in the UFC Bantamweight division
Raoni Barcelos, born on May 1, 1987 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is an experienced and versatile mixed martial artist (MMA) who competes in the UFC bantamweight division. Barcelos is known for his strong Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background, powerful striking and impressive all-around skills. With a long career in MMA and as a former LFA champion, he has established himself as a dangerous challenger in the UFC bantamweight division.
Early Life and Career
Raoni Barcelos grew up in Brazil, a country known for its rich martial arts tradition. He began martial arts at a young age, trained by his father, Laerte Barcelos, a jiu-jitsu master and former vale tudo fighter. Barcelos specialized in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and became a competitive grappler, where he achieved great success and won world championships. He also has experience in wrestling, which further strengthened his ground game.
Barcelos made his professional MMA debut in 2012 and quickly built an impressive record in several Brazilian promotions. His strong performances earned him a shot in the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA), where he captured the featherweight title. His dominant performances in LFA caught the attention of the UFC, and in 2018 he made the move to the largest MMA organization in the world.
UFC Career
Raoni Barcelos made his UFC debut in July 2018 at UFC Fight Night 133 , where he defeated Kurt Holobaugh via third-round knockout. His impressive debut showcased his powerful striking and versatility, making an immediate impression in the organization.
Barcelos continued his success with consecutive victories, including dominant performances against tough opponents such as Chris Gutierrez, Carlos Huachin and Khalid Taha. His strong combination of punching, kicking and ability to take his opponents to the ground made him a formidable challenger in the bantamweight division.
In January 2023, Barcelos suffered a heavy knockout loss to Umar Nurmagomedov, which temporarily halted his rise. Despite this, Barcelos remains a constant in the division, with his impressive fighting spirit and ability to finish fights via knockout or submission.
Style and Technique
Raoni Barcelos is a versatile fighter with strong skills in both grappling and striking. His background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gives him a solid foundation in ground fighting, where he is adept at executing submissions and controlling his opponents. He is particularly dangerous in scramble situations, where he can quickly transition into dominant positions.
In addition to his grappling, Barcelos is known for his powerful and precise striking. He combines quick combinations of punches and kicks with explosive attacks, constantly putting pressure on his opponents. His experience in wrestling helps him to take fights to the ground when necessary, and his strong cardio allows him to maintain a high pace for three rounds.
Future Ambitions
Raoni Barcelos remains determined to break through to the top of the UFC bantamweight division. Although he has suffered some setbacks, he remains a dangerous challenger to anyone in the division. With his versatile fighting style and strong technical skills, Barcelos continues to push for bigger fights and hopes to eventually earn a title shot in the future.
Conclusion
Raoni Barcelos is one of the most versatile and technical fighters in the UFC bantamweight division. With his strong background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, powerful striking, and impressive all-around skills, he has established himself as a serious contender in the division. As he continues to work toward his goals in the UFC, Barcelos will remain a name to watch in the competitive bantamweight class.