Raoni Barcelos rejects role of 'degree' for young Mexican promise and invokes Glover Teixeira: 'Age does not matter'

== sync, corrected by elderman == @elder_man

The expectation for Saturday (26) in Las Vegas doesn't just revolve around the traditional names.At Meta Apex, Brazilian Raoni Barcelos, at 39 years old, takes over the main event of UFC Vegas 121.His mission is clear: beat young promise Raúl Rosas Jr. and take another concrete step towards the top of the division, consolidating a phase that many analysts still underestimate.

The turning point: From bad phase to historical sequence

To understand the weight of this fight, one has to look back. When Raoni Barcelos made his Ultimate debut in 2017 at age 30, he did not take long to impress.

However, the period between2020 and2024 was one of instability; Barcelos added four defeats in his last five fights in that interval, a moment which seemed to indicate the end of the line for the veteran.2024 The reality however changed drastically at the end.ESPN.com After beating Cristian Quiñonez, already 37 years old, and renewing his contract, Raoni reactivated a winning machine.

Currently, the Brazilian boasts an active winning streak of five wins. In this two-year span he has overtaken heavyweights in the category such as prospect Payton Talbott and former champion Cody Garbrandt. This recent invincibility contrasts with some media perception that keeps him only at 13th position in the official ranking behind younger fighters like Talbett. Already in data-based and algorithmic ratings, Raoni figures in 8th place, more accurately reflecting his current consistency in the octagon.

The Main Event opportunity and the Glover Teixeira reference

For Raoni, the fight against Raúl Rosas Jr. is not just a fight but the validation of his moment.ESPN.com In an exclusive interview with ESPN.combr, the Brazilian explained why he sees this confrontation as a real chance to climb up, and not just another step on the ladder.

"At that moment [against Payton Talbott] I felt like a ladder, really. I was coming from victory and they put me right in front of Payton talbot who went for him to make the name. But then I proved to everyone that it's not quite so.

On the current challenge, Barcelos is straightforward: "I've been through everything in the organization and I think it's his first test yet. So I think today they didn't put me on a ladder, but instead gave me an opportunity to do a main event and be among the top five, so go up until reaching my goal, which is the title".

Raoni's mental posture is supported by a clear reference within the sport itself: former light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira, who won at age 42 and currently coaches Alex Poatan. "I don't have to care what they think. My goal, my will, speaks much louder.

Technical analysis: two grapplers, one game of striking

Raoni and Raúl Rosas Jr. have a similar profile: both are born grapplers, but the Brazilian veteran believes that the key to victory will be in another department.

Although both have a strong foundation in wrestling and jiu-jitsu, Raoni points to his superiority in striking. "It's a two grappler game but I am complete.

"And if he wants to come for grappling, wrestling and jiu-jitsu, I will be ready too. We are very prepared for that. I think it's understanding where the fight is going to be led. And you can be sure that I'll be ready in all areas", he concluded.

If Raoni's technical reading is correct, a victory over Rosas Jr. would not only be an individual triumph but confirmation that experience and technical evolution can indeed surpass youth in Ultimate.

Editor 's note: This is the first time we 've had a chance to talk about this . The above information is based on public data and official interviews.