Raoni Barcelos health update after UFC star went 'limp' and was stretchered off

UFC star Raoni Barcelos is stable, alert and responsive in hospital after a frightening end to his main event against Raul Rosas Jr, according to a new statement.

The 39-year-old Brazilian was stretchered out of the Octagon after appearing to lose consciousness during the fifth round of his contest with Rosas at UFC Vegas 121.

The veteran fighter had been facing off against the highly-rated 21-year-old, but it’s understood he was ahead on all three judges' scorecards heading into the final round.

Minutes in, Rosas took Barcelos down, and the star appeared to go limp.

Terrified fans saw him stay down on the canvas as the referee intervened, before ringside medical staff quickly entered the Octagon to assess him.

The UFC has since provided a reassuring update on the fighter's condition.

"Following his fight tonight, Raoni Barcelos was immediately transported to a Level 1 trauma center for evaluation," they revealed.

"The hospital medical team conducted a CT scan and comprehensive assessment, and he is currently being monitored.

"Barcelos is stable, alert and responsive, with full movement. He will remain under medical supervision."

The circumstances surrounding Barcelos' collapse remain unclear, but the statement should reassure fans.

Davi Ramos, a coach for Barcelos, also posted a short video on his socials to try to calm any speculation and worry from viewers.

He said: "Hey guys, Raoni is fine, everything is alright, everyone can stay calm, he just went to do the tomography now, but everything is fine, we are here waiting for him, everyone can stay calm, thanks?"

His opponent was visibly concerned once it became clear that Barcelos needed urgent attention, and instantly signalled to officials to call off the fight.

Rather than celebrating his victory, the young American stayed focused on Barcelos' condition and used his post-fight interview to ask fans to keep his opponent in their thoughts.

"I want everybody tonight to please pray for Raoni Barcelos. He's a warrior," Rosas said after the fight.”

The victory extended his winning run to six fights for Rosas.

Barcelos, an experienced fighter, had been on a five-fight winning streak himself, and this was his first headline fight.

His immediate hospital assessment included a CT scan and a comprehensive medical examination, according to the UFC.

There has been no confirmed diagnosis explaining why Barcelos lost consciousness, with only speculation from fans.

One wrote on X: “Not super clear exactly what happened, but with the fact that his arms went limp and the ringside doctor had to check his pulse was super concerning.”

Another added: “SCARY SCENE in the UFC tonight as fighter immediately rushed to the hospital after going LIMP during a takedown”

“He slowed 5-10 seconds before the takedown. Just gave it up. And then fell. I don’t think it’s the head,” guessed one fan.

“That was so worrying, sending prayers his way,” added another.

"Hoping for the best, that was terrifying to see," said one fan, while others praised the young Rosas for how he responded to the shocking moment for the veteran fighter.