Brazilian UFC fighter Raoni Barcelos was taken to a Level 1 trauma centre in Las Vegas after a frightening fifth-round stoppage against Raul Rosas Jr. The 39-year-old, who was little more than three minutes away from a decision win on the judges' scorecards, suddenly lost consciousness during a clinch exchange and slumped to the canvas. His head coach, Davi Ramos, delivered an encouraging update. "He has all his senses, he's moving his leg, his arm, his hand, he's conscious, he's talking, everything is fine with him," Ramos said.
A CT scan and full medical assessment showed he was alert and responsive, with full movement. Dr Gustavo Medeiros, the bantamweight's physician, confirmed he is being kept in hospital purely as a matter of protocol. The defeat ended the Brazilian's hopes of a sixth straight win, yet his condition is stable and he will stay under observation for a few days to make sure he continues to do well.
