Raoni Barcelos Aims to Finish Raul Rosas Jr. in UFC Main Event

Raoni Barcelos is aiming to become the first fighter to stop Raul Rosas Jr. when the two collide in Saturday's UFC main event on Sept. 26 at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas.

Speaking to MMA Fighting, the 39-year-old veteran stated that while Rosas Jr. has faced tough competition like Rob Font, the young prospect has yet to encounter someone with the grappling skill set capable of disrupting his fight style.

Rosas Jr. has built a strong promotional run, winning six of his seven UFC bouts with his lone career setback coming via decision against Christian Rodriguez. Barcelos, however, enters the matchup on a five-fight winning streak that includes victories over former champion Cody Garbrandt and Payton Talbott.

The Brazilian expects Rosas Jr. to pursue wrestling and grappling exchanges, areas where Barcelos expressed complete confidence in his no-gi jiu-jitsu preparation over the scheduled five rounds to secure a finish inside 25 minutes.

A former champion in both Shooto Brazil and the RFA, Barcelos was already competing professionally before Rosas Jr. turned eight years old. Ahead of this camp, Barcelos spent three weeks training in Danbury with longtime friend and former UFC light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira before continuing his preparations in Rio de Janeiro. Barcelos, who will have Teixeira in his corner, credited the veteran for introducing him to MMA and inspiring him by proving that age is merely a number.