Raoni Barcelos was stretchered out of the UFC cage after being knocked unconscious in the final round of his main event bout against Raul Rosas Jr., leading to a TKO loss and hospitalization, ESPN reports.

The fight, which served as the headline for Saturday night’s UFC event, saw Barcelos suffer a decisive blow in the last round that rendered him unconscious. Officials stopped the bout, and Rosas Jr. was declared the victor by technical knockout. The sudden collapse prompted an immediate medical response.

Medical staff rushed to the cage, placing Barcelos on a stretcher and transporting him to the event’s medical tent before escorting him to a nearby hospital for evaluation. UFC protocols require that any fighter who is knocked unconscious be removed from the ring, given first aid, and monitored until a qualified physician can determine their condition. The team’s swift action was in line with the promotion’s safety standards.

Incidents like this highlight the inherent risks of mixed‑martial‑arts competition and the importance of rigorous medical oversight. While the outcome of Barcelos’s recovery remains to be seen, the UFC will only allow a fighter to return to the octagon after receiving full clearance from medical professionals. The organization’s commitment to fighter safety remains a central pillar of its operations, and the organization will continue to enforce strict protocols in future events.