Ricky Simon and Raoni Barcelos faced off in a pivotal bantamweight clash on Saturday night at UFC Vegas 111, with both veterans riding winning streaks and eager to keep their momentum alive.
Simon (22-6) entered the bout riding a two-fight win streak, with victories over Javid Basharat and Cameron Smotherman propelling him into a matchup with fellow veteran Barcelos.
Barcelos (20-5) entered the matchup on a three-fight winning streak, earning victories over Cristian Quiñones, Payton Talbott, and former champion Cody Garbrandt to reestablish himself as a factor in the bantamweight division at 38 years old.
Round 1 – Both fighters circled patiently, exchanging jabs and looking for openings. Simon hunted for a big shot, but Barcelos was locked in and ready, countering with a sharp uppercut that landed clean.
Simon found his rhythm behind the jab, forcing Barcelos to retreat and creating an opening for a takedown attempt. Barcelos scrambled free, but Simon capitalized, unleashing a flurry of punches. Barcelos answered right back with looping hooks that connected, then scored a takedown of his own.
Simon quickly reversed position, taking top control and raining down ground-and-pound before Barcelos tied him up to stifle the offense. The Brazilian scrambled back to his feet, and the two resumed trading strikes.
Simon continued to press forward, working his jab and trying to trap Barcelos against the fence, but the veteran refused to be contained, staying active and dangerous in every exchange.
Round 2 – Barcelos landed a thudding calf kick off the bat. Simon looked for different angles to land shots from, but Barcelos was land heavy anytime he got in close. Simon showed good striking by slipping punches and countering with piston-quick punches. Barcelos tried another takedown, but Simon slipped out of it easily.
Barcelos flew in and landed a knee to the body triggering a takedown from Simon. Simon got him to the fence and looking for the double leg, but Barcelos was able to pummel an under hook slowing him down for the moment. Losing his grips Simon gave up on the takedown attempt.
The two traded from there on until the end of the round.
Round 3 – Barcelos took command of the center of the Octagon early, while Simon circled on the outside, looking for takedown opportunities. Barcelos stuffed the first attempt with ease, and the two soon settled into trading heavy strikes, with the Brazilian landing the more damaging shots.
Simon continued to work his jab and look for angles, dipping his head to set up entries, but Barcelos repeatedly beat him to the punch, connecting with sharp combinations. Simon’s jab was accurate but lacked the power to slow Barcelos down, and his takedown attempts continued to come up short.
Barcelos, meanwhile, mixed in feints and level changes, faking takedowns before exploding with clean power shots to the head. Both fighters showcased incredible durability, eating huge shots and firing right back without hesitation.
In the final 10 seconds, the two went toe-to-toe in a wild exchange, throwing everything they had as the crowd roared, leaving it to the judges to decide who landed the more significant blows.
Official Result: Raoni Barcelos def. Ricky Simon via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
