LAS VEGAS – Fifteen times, Raoni Barcelos has sat during fight week and scribbled his autograph on a poster that featured other fighters' faces.
This time, it's different. For UFC Fight Night 289, Barcelos (22-5 MMA, 11-4 UFC) is the poster boy as Saturday he headlines vs. Raul Rosas Jr. (12-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) at Meta APEX.
"I'm taking in every moment, every second and just trying to enjoy this week the most and I'm just really happy," Barcelos told MMA Junkie and other reporters Wednesday through a Portuguese-language interpreter. "... I think that's why I'm so happy. For so long, I've been there. I've signed so many posters with other people's faces on it, just kind of wondering, 'When is my face going to be on there?' Now, it's finally here so I just want
to enjoy every second of it. I'm beyond happy. Maybe other fighters don't give that much importance to it, but I think for as long as I've been waiting, it's just different for me."
Barcelos, 39, may be one of the oldest fighters in the promotion, but he's putting forth the best performances of his career. He's gained respect from the hardcores, and hopes with more successful results, the UFC won't mind pushing him toward the title – similar to his friend Glover Teixeira.
"I think building a story is what brings you fans," Barcelos said. "I really have a story, and I think people are noticing that. I think I've been gaining more fans, and I'm going to gain even more fans. It's really cool to see that and just keep going with what I'm doing.
Teixeira was 42 years old when he defeated Jan Blachowicz for the UFC light heavyweight title in October 2021. He'd completed his ultimate mission after 21 UFC fights and 39 professional fights total. Despite his career longevity, Barcelos would likely have a shorter journey than Teixeira, which shows that the task is possible.
"Glover is my friend," Barcelos said. "He's believed in me since the beginning. He's my biggest inspiration, and he had a similar path in the organization. A lot of people believed in him, and he just kept trucking on and eventually made it to the title. I see myself doing the same."
Rosas will be 18 years younger than Barcelos when they step into the cage. Since he became the youngest fighter ever signed to the promotion at age 17 in 2022, Rosas has grown a massive fan base. He rides a five-fight winning streak into the matchup, having most recently defeated Rob Font by unanimous decision in March.
Barcelos is not fazed, however.
"It doesn't scare me," Barcelos said. "I think after the Payton Talbott fight, I just became more and more confident in myself, seeing what I could do. Raul is tough and he's going to keep growing. There are a lot of other great fighters for him to fight. There are a lot of other great fights for him but this is my moment. I really believe this is my moment and my time.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Raoni Barcelos inspired by Glover Teixeira, plans own late UFC title run
