Las Vegas — Bantamweight Raoni Barcelos is “very happy” to be in the main event of UFC Vegas 121 this weekend.
“I’m taking in every moment, every second and trying to just enjoy this weekend the most,” the Brazilian told Cageside Press ahead of his first headlining gig in the UFC, 16 fights into his career with the promotion.
The long road to headlining his first show makes the opportunity even more meaningful for Barcelos (22-5).
“I think that’s why I’m so happy. For so long, I’ve been there. Signed so many posters with other people’s faces on it, just kind of wondering ‘when’s my face going to be on there?’ And now it’s finally here, so I just want to enjoy every second of it. I’m just beyond happy.”
“Maybe other fighters don’t give that much importance to it, but as long as I’ve been waiting, it’s just different for me,” he added. “I think that building a story is what brings you fans, and I really have a story. I think people are noticing that.”
Barcelos, who added that he’s noticed more fans following him these days, takes inspiration from fellow Brazilian and former light heavyweight champ Glover Teixeira.
“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,” noted Barcelos. “So I see myself doing the same.”
As for going up against Raul Rosas Jr., a young star the UFC has pushed heavily since he won his way into the company at just 17, Barcelos is far from intimidated.
“It doesn’t scare me. I think after the Payton Talbott fight, I just became more and more confident in myself, seeing what I could do,” stated Barcelos. The Brazilian is the only man to defeat Talbott, back at UFC 311 in January of 2025. “Raul’s tough, and he’s going to keep growing. There’s a lot of other great fighters for him to fight, a lot of other great fights for him, but this is my moment. I really believe that this is my moment, and this is my time.”
Watch the full UFC Vegas 121 media day appearance by Raoni Barcelos above.