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Raoni Barcelos won't let age deter him from chasing UFC title
TL;DR
Raoni Barcelos, a UFC bantamweight hopeful, is determined to chase the title despite nearing 39 years old. He believes he can prove doubters wrong in his upcoming fight against Montel Jackson at UFC Fight Night 274.
Key points
- Raoni Barcelos is 39 years old and pursuing a UFC title.
- He fights Montel Jackson at UFC Fight Night 274.
- Barcelos aims to prove his potential to enter the bantamweight rankings.
Raoni BarcelosMontel JacksonUFC Fight Night 274
Raoni Barcelos knows he's up against the clock.
On top of all the numerous challenges that fighters face when making a run to a UFC title, Barcelos (21-5 MMA, 10-4 UFC) is presented with another layer of difficulty, contrary to many of his fellow up-and-comers. Barcelos, a UFC bantamweight title hopeful, is days shy of his 39th birthday. The Brazilian knows it's not ideal for any athlete looking to reach the pinnacle of a sport, but that doesn't mean it's impossible.
"It's well known that because of my age, it bothers a lot people," Barcelos told MMA Junkie in Portuguese. "But I think the only one that can show something different, prove something different, is myself in that cage. I need to prove that. I need to prove that it's possible for me to get there, that I have what it takes to get there. I know after Saturday, things will get more difficult; I know it, but that's exactly what I want. I want to prove that it's possible. I just need the opportunity to be able to get there."
Barcelos returns to action this Saturday on the main card of UFC Fight Night 274 (Paramount+), which takes place at Meta APEX in Las Vegas. He takes on ranked contender Montel Jackson (15-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC). Barcelos has yet to crack the top 15 of the UFC bantamweight rankings, but he believes that will change on Saturday.
"I think that now is the time to enter the rankings," Barcelos said. "It's not that I'm underestimated; it's that I have to prove not only for the people, but also for the organization, and more importantly, for myself, because I could be fighting against the best, and that's what I've been proving in these fur fights. I think I've been forging my path, and after Saturday, my journey towards the title begins."
Being 4-0, Barcelos can see himself getting deep into the rankings this 2026, should the matchmakers grant his wish and get him two more fights after Saturday, which he expects to win.
"I want to try to do three fights in the year and over time climb the rankings, looking for the best possible positions, so I can finish 2026 at the very top," Barcelos said. "I want to try to finish the year with many victories and be ranked as high as possible."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Raoni Barcelos won't let age deter him from chasing UFC title
Q&A
How old is Raoni Barcelos and why does it matter for his UFC career?
Raoni Barcelos is days away from his 39th birthday, which presents challenges for his pursuit of a UFC title as age can impact athletic performance.
Who is Raoni Barcelos fighting at UFC Fight Night 274?
Raoni Barcelos is set to fight ranked contender Montel Jackson at UFC Fight Night 274.
What does Raoni Barcelos believe he needs to prove in his upcoming fight?
Barcelos believes he needs to prove to himself and others that he can break into the top 15 of the UFC bantamweight rankings and pursue the title.