Raoni Mendonca Barcelos[8] (born May 1, 1987) is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist, former amateur wrestler and grappler.

He started grappling at the age of five under influence of his father, Laerte Barcelos, who was a Freestyle wrestler in the 1980s, competing for the Brazilian National Wrestling Team, as well as holding a 7th degree coral belt in jiu-jitsu.

After competing a few years for the Brazilian National Wrestling Team, Barcelos transitioned to mixed martial arts (MMA) in 2012 at the age of 25.

[10] [11][12] Bacelos was scheduled to make his debut at UFC on October 28, 2017, replacing injured Augusto Mendes.

[15] Barcelos's finally came on July 14, 2018, at UFC Fight Night: dos Santos vs. Ivanov, against Kurt Holobaugh.

[23] The bout with Nurmagomedov eventually took place on December 21, 2019, at UFC Fight Night: Edgar vs.

[25] Barcelos was expected to face Cody Stamann on March 28, 2020, at UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs.

[31] However, Barcelos was removed from the contest due to a medical suspension related to his latest bout on November 7.

[32] Barcelos was scheduled to face Raphael Assunção on February 27, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 186.

[41] The pairing was then cancelled just hours before taking place due to COVID-19 protocols,[42] and rescheduled to meet on January 22, 2022, at UFC 270.

[44] Barcelos faced Trevin Jones on October 1, 2022, at UFC Fight Night: Dern vs.