Raoni Barcelos showed that, at 38 years old, he still has a lot to offer inside the octagon. The Brazilian faced Ricky Simón at UFC Vegas 111 and, after turning the duel into a true 'boxing match with gloves', had his arm raised by the judges' decision.
With the victory, Raoni reached 21 career wins and is now on a four-game winning streak. Ricky Simón , on the other hand, suffered his seventh defeat and saw his two-win run come to an end.
Raoni sets the pace and comes out on top in a balanced fight at UFC Vegas 111.
The fight began with Simón taking the center of the octagon and trying to close the distance. Still in the first half of the round, the American attempted a takedown, but the Brazilian defended well. Upon returning to the striking exchange, Ricky connected with a strong right hand that rocked Raoni. Even stunned, the Brazilian reacted quickly, managed a takedown and, after some transitions on the ground, both returned to the fight standing, battling for the center of the cage until the end of the round.
In the second round, the scenario remained balanced. Simón relied on powerful strikes, while Raoni, faster and more precise, used movement and hand combinations to score better in decisive moments.
In the final round, the fight remained undecided, which led both fighters to return determined to secure the round and, consequently, the victory. At an intense pace, with plenty of torso movement, feints, and explosive combinations, the athletes delivered a true striking spectacle.
As the final gong sounded, the judges recognized the Brazilian's superiority, declaring Raoni Barcelos the winner by unanimous decision.
UFC Vegas 111 results
MAIN CARD (starting at 21 PM, Brasília time)
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Joseph Morales defeated Matt Schnell by submission (guillotine choke) at 3:53 of round 1.
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Uros Medic defeated Muslim Salikhov by knockout (punches) at 1:03 of round 1.
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Chris Padilla defeated Ismael Bonfim by knockout (punches) at 4:30 of round 2.
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Christian Leroy Duncan defeated Marco Túlio by knockout (punches) at 3:20 of round 1.
PRELIMINARY CARD (starting at 18 PM, Brasília time)
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Jamall Emmers defeated Hyder Amil by unanimous decision (29-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Raoni Barcelos defeated Ricky Simon by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Jacqueline Cavalcanti defeated Mayra Sheetara by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Josh Hokit defeated Max Gimenis by knockout (punches) at 0:56 of round 1.
Strawweight (up to 52,1 kg): Denise Gomes defeated Tecia Pennington by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Daniel Marcos defeated Miles Johns by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:33 of round 2.
Catchweight (up to 88,4 kg): Zachary Reese defeated Jackson McVey by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:38 of round 2.
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