Ricky Simon went toe-to-toe with Raoni Barcelos in a thrilling bantamweight contest at UFC Vegas 111, but came up short after three rounds of high-paced action inside the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Barcelos, now 21–5, found success with sharp counters and steady striking output, while Simon pushed forward with his trademark aggression and attempted multiple takedowns throughout the fight. After fifteen competitive minutes, the judges unanimously awarded the decision to Barcelos, improving his winning streak to four straight.
Simon, who entered the night with a 22–7 record, never stopped pressuring his opponent, but the cleaner shots from Barcelos ultimately made the difference on the scorecards.
Dana White Shares Close-Up of the Damage
Following the event, UFC CEO Dana White posted several images online showing a deep and bloody cut that had opened under Simon’s chin during the fight. The wound required stitches to close, and fans reacted strongly to the gruesome visuals.
The exact exchange that caused the injury remains unclear, as both fighters traded heavy punches across all three rounds. Still, the photos revealed just how intense the matchup became by the final bell.
The loss ended Simon’s two-fight win streak, which included a decision win over Cameron Smotherman and a highlight-reel knockout of Javid Basharat earlier this year at UFC Seattle — a finish that earned buzz as a potential “Knockout of the Year” contender.
Despite the setback, Simon remains one of the most durable and respected veterans in the bantamweight division. At 33 years old, he continues to showcase the kind of toughness and pressure that make his bouts fan favorites.
Meanwhile, Barcelos’ fourth straight victory adds to an impressive resume that includes a January win over highly regarded prospect Payton Talbott.
Simon now sits at 2–4 in his last six fights, but his heart and grit were on full display once again in Las Vegas. Even through a blood-soaked cut and relentless exchanges, he fought to the final horn, proving he’s far from finished in the UFC’s 135-pound division.
