Raul Rosas Jr. and Raoni Barcelos threw down in what was looking like a Fight of the Year at UFC Vegas 121 a few weeks ago. That was until Barcelos went down in the fifth round and stiffened up like a corpse. I can say that now, after feeling the relief of seeing Barcelostalk and walk around like everything is normal.
At the time, when Barcelos went down from a takedown, and appeared to start having a seizure, I feared that we were about to have one of the worst nights possible in MMA (something that I can’t
escape feeling is just a matter of when and not if). The fight was called off and, on the night, Rosas Jr. was credited with a stoppage victory.
If the fight had gone to a decision, Rosas Jr. would have likely lost that one and Barcelos would have added another feather in his cap for beating another young up-and-comer. Barcelos getting the L likely stung for the Brazilian, his fans and those who had wagers on him. But I think everyone, including the degenerates out there, will be happy that Barcelos is OK and didn’t seem to take any lasting damage from this strange incident.
This week Barcelos, who has remained in Las Vegas, met Rosas Jr. out on the street. The pair shared a nice moment and posed for a picture together. You can see all that below.
It’s unclear what Barcelos, speaking Brazilian Portuguese, and Rosas Jr., speaking Mexican Spanish, are saying to each other. But it all seems convivial enough. It’s nice that this pair were able to share a positive moment out on the street after an epic war in the cage that felt like it might have been heading towards a tragedy.
It’s been reported that Barcelos losing consciousness was due to his brain swelling, perhaps as a response to extreme exhaustion. That’s according to Glover Teixeira, who was present during this most recent meeting between Barcelos and Rosas Jr.
Barcelos’ run had been a joy to watch, as he upset Payton Talbott and was taking it to Rosas Jr. Whether he returns to fighting or not, let’s hope the 39-year-old brawler has only good things ahead of him.
