Raoni Barcelos opened eyes at UFC Vegas 13 with a brilliant performance on the feet against Khalid Taha.
When Germany’s Khalid Taha made his return to the Octagon Saturday at UFC Vegas 13 (after a suspension due to diuretic use), it was not against Jack Shore as expected. Instead, with Shore dropping out of the fight roughly a week ago, Taha was lined up with short-notice replacement Raoni Barcelos.
Making the bantamweight fight something of a pick ’em.
A feeling out process started the fight as both looked to figure the other out. Barcelos got things going with a pair of leg kicks that took Taha off of his feet. This prompted Taha to pick up the aggression and soon both were throwing caution to the wind with bombs. Both landed their fair share, but after a big one from Taha, Barcelos shot and wound up on top. After working to the back, Taha managed to spin to top guard. Barcelos returned to his feet after some time against the fence and they ended by exchanging as they did to start the round.
Taha’s game plan in the second seemed to be to throw with a bit more bad intent. He loaded up on some early shots that didn’t land flush. Barcelos, meanwhile picked away with his kicks and jabs. After a quick pause for a low blow to Taha, Barcelos got back to work on the legs. They began to add up on the right calf of Taha as he switches stances. That strategy didn’t work either as once there, Barcelos started landing big with hooks. Taha was on wobbly legs as the horn sounded to head to the third.
Saved by the bell!? 🤯
🇧🇷 Barcelos teeing off at the end of the round! #UFCVegas13 pic.twitter.com/jXwkLgDbHl
— UFC (@ufc) November 8, 2020
Taha started the round looking like someone who knew he needed a finish. That aggression quickly faded though as he ate another calf kick and then was taken to the mat. Barcelos worked to the back and controlled Taha against the cage, looking for the choke. He managed to turn and face Barcelos, but took plenty of shots on the mat. A brief leg lock threat allowed Taha to work to his feet with just less than half the round to go. Barcelos looked gassed as the time runs down. Both snapped the other’s head back a couple of times as the clock ran out.
Raoni Barcelos def. Khalid Taha by Unanimous Decision (30-27 x3)
