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LAS VEGAS – Despite nearing his 40s, Raoni Barcelos thinks the best is yet to come for his fighting career.
MMA has often been labeled as a young man's game, but Barcelos (21-5 MMA, 10-4 UFC) is challenging that notion. The 38-year-old Brazilian picked up his fourth consecutive win Saturday on the main card of UFC Fight Night 264 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Barcelos defeated longtime bantamweight contender Ricky Simon (22-7 MMA, 10-6 UFC) for a unanimous decision win. Simon joins former UFC champion Cody Garbrandt, top prospect Payton Talbott and Cristian Quiñonez on the list of those who have fallen against Barcelos in his streak – all notable names.
"Knowing that they're giving me those types of fights – former champions, prospects – (UFC) know they believe in me, and I'm proving that I belong at the top – and that's what's going to happen," Barcelos said at the UFC Fight Night 264 post-fight press conference. "I'm going to make it to the top. I have a good support system, experience. I'm like wine: The older I get, the better I get with my training. I'm like wine. The victories in the company show how great I am."
Barcelos has his eyes on the UFC bantamweight title, but he wants to take the process step by step. He logged three wins in 2025, and wants to do the same for 2026, hopefully putting him in a position to be contending for the belt.
"Three fights are great for me," Barcelos said. "It's a good pace. I don't need to fight anymore. Three fights is good. Strong steps, but big leaps – I'm moving up. Three fights, three wins, let's keep the rhythm and stay busy. I'm not injured right now, so maybe in February I'm ready to go again."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Raoni Barcelos determined to make UFC title run in late 30s
Continue reading...
MMA has often been labeled as a young man's game, but Barcelos (21-5 MMA, 10-4 UFC) is challenging that notion. The 38-year-old Brazilian picked up his fourth consecutive win Saturday on the main card of UFC Fight Night 264 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Barcelos defeated longtime bantamweight contender Ricky Simon (22-7 MMA, 10-6 UFC) for a unanimous decision win. Simon joins former UFC champion Cody Garbrandt, top prospect Payton Talbott and Cristian Quiñonez on the list of those who have fallen against Barcelos in his streak – all notable names.
"Knowing that they're giving me those types of fights – former champions, prospects – (UFC) know they believe in me, and I'm proving that I belong at the top – and that's what's going to happen," Barcelos said at the UFC Fight Night 264 post-fight press conference. "I'm going to make it to the top. I have a good support system, experience. I'm like wine: The older I get, the better I get with my training. I'm like wine. The victories in the company show how great I am."
Barcelos has his eyes on the UFC bantamweight title, but he wants to take the process step by step. He logged three wins in 2025, and wants to do the same for 2026, hopefully putting him in a position to be contending for the belt.
"Three fights are great for me," Barcelos said. "It's a good pace. I don't need to fight anymore. Three fights is good. Strong steps, but big leaps – I'm moving up. Three fights, three wins, let's keep the rhythm and stay busy. I'm not injured right now, so maybe in February I'm ready to go again."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Raoni Barcelos determined to make UFC title run in late 30s
Continue reading...
