Raul Rosas Jr. and Raoni Barcelos competed in their first UFC headliners at the Meta APEX, delivering one of the best fights of the year that ended in scary fashion during the fifth round when Rosas landed a takedown and Barcelos went unconscious and limp.
Action-Packed Early Rounds and Striking Battles
The main event was action-packed through the first two rounds with Raul Rosas Jr. coming out guns blazing early, throwing everything but the kitchen sink at his veteran opponent, Raoni Barcelos. Barcelos began to close the gap and used that momentum in the second round, landing nearly 60 significant strikes as Rosas visibly began to slow down inside the Octagon.
Round three proved to be a back-and-forth battle. Barcelos executed a nasty foot sweep takedown and secured a dominant back position. Rosas managed to sweep his opponent, regain top control, and land effective ground and pound. However, Barcelos returned to his feet and continued to pile up damage and fatigue numbers on the side of Rosas.
Fourth-Round Onslaught and Fifth-Round Takedown
During the fourth round, Barcelos delivered a pillar-to-post beating on the feet and on the ground to Rosas, nearly finishing the fight on multiple occasions. Knowing he needed a finish heading into the fifth and final round, Rosas went for it and landed the takedown that abruptly ended the bout.
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Multiple replays made it difficult to see what actually knocked Barcelos out during the sequence. Medical staff subsequently stretchered Barcelos out of the APEX facility following the sudden stoppage.
Did You Know? Raul Rosas Jr. and Raoni Barcelos both stepped into their very first UFC main event headliner spots at this event, showcasing the high stakes of pacing across five championship-style rounds.
Post-Fight Reactions and Calls Out
Following the victory, Rosas put over Barcelos for his toughness inside the cage. Rosas also called for a post-fight bonus and asked matchmakers for a top-seven opponent for his next walk to the Octagon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who fought in the UFC Vegas 121 main event?
Raul Rosas Jr. faced Raoni Barcelos in their first UFC headliners at the Meta APEX.
How did the fight end?
After four wild rounds of back-and-forth action, the fight stopped in the fifth round when Rosas landed a takedown, resulting in Barcelos going unconscious and limp before being stretchered out.
What did Raul Rosas Jr. say after winning?
Rosas praised Barcelos for his toughness, asked for a performance bonus, and requested a matchup against a top-seven opponent.
Join the Conversation
What did you think of the main event finish at the Meta APEX? Leave a comment below with your thoughts on Raul Rosas Jr.’s performance and who he should fight next.
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