Raoni Barcelos Record: 22-5-0

Regional rise and UFC arrival

His climb began in earnest with a 2013 decision over Tyler Toner at RFA 11, and he later headlined RFA cards, outpointing Bobby Moffett over five rounds in June 2016 before stopping Dan Moret by second-round knockout that October. Those wins set up his UFC debut, a third-round knockout of Kurt Holobaugh in July 2018, followed by a second-round rear-naked-choke submission of Chris Gutierrez at The Ultimate Fighter 28 Finale.

Octagon run

Barcelos kept the momentum going, finishing Carlos Huachin by second-round TKO in May 2019 and outworking the previously red-hot Said Nurmagomedov by decision that December, then edging Khalid Taha in 2020 to push his unbeaten UFC start to five. The competition then stiffened: he dropped close decisions to Timur Valiev and Victor Henry, rebounded with a 2022 decision over Trevin Jones, then absorbed a first-round knockout against the unbeaten Umar Nurmagomedov and a decision loss to Kyler Phillips in 2023.

Veteran resurgence

Rather than fade, Barcelos reinvented himself as a gatekeeper-beater. He submitted Cristian Quiñonez by third-round rear-naked choke in February 2024, then spoiled the unbeaten record of prospect Payton Talbott with a decision win at UFC 311 in January 2025. He followed with a decision over former champion Cody Garbrandt, a points win over Ricky Simón, and a 2026 split-decision nod against Montel Jackson, cementing a late-career run that has reestablished him among the bantamweight division's reliable problem-solvers.

Fighting style

Barcelos is a well-rounded technician who blends elite grappling with crisp boxing. Of his 22 wins, eight have come by knockout and three by submission, with the remainder by decision – a 50 percent finish rate that reflects a fighter equally comfortable hunting a finish or grinding out a verdict. His wrestling and BJJ base let him dictate where fights happen, while his power and timing on the feet give him knockout threat in the pocket. His main vulnerabilities have surfaced against the division's quickest, most dynamic strikers, but his durability, ring IQ, and ability to mix levels keep him competitive deep into his career.

Career highlights

• Former RFA featherweight champion — captured and defended a regional title before earning his UFC call-up, arriving as a finished product.
• Prospect spoiler — ended Payton Talbott's unbeaten run at UFC 311 and added a win over former bantamweight champ Cody Garbrandt during his veteran resurgence.
• Decorated grappler — a BJJ black belt and multiple-time Brazilian national wrestling champion whose grappling pedigree underpins a 22–5 professional record.