Raoni Barcelos has delivered several thrilling fights since joining the UFC in 2018. The Brazilian has also given fans their money’s worth with multiple career finishes.
Many fans are familiar with Barcelos’ UFC run, but not as many know about his personal life and family. So let’s take a closer look at the 38-year-old Brazilian’s background and heritage.
What Is Raoni Barcelos’ Birthplace and Ethnicity?
Barcelos was born on May 1, 1987, in Rio de Janeiro. While there are no confirmed public records of his ethnicity, his surname — Barcelos — has Portuguese origins.
Portuguese sailors began colonizing Brazil in the early 1500s, ruling over its native population through strict and exploitative practices for more than 300 years. Brazil declared independence in 1822 under Dom Pedro I, the country’s first emperor.
Given that history, it’s likely that Barcelos — like many Brazilians — has Portuguese ancestry. His well-rounded fight game has given plenty of UFC opponents problems, and that mastery started taking shape early in life.
Barcelos’ Family and Early Life
Barcelos grew up in a family steeped in martial arts. While there’s little public information about his mother, one of his Instagram posts reveals her name is Maria Mendonça Barcelos.
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Meanwhile, his father, Laerte Barcelos, is a renowned freestyle wrestler who also holds a seventh-degree coral belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Naturally, Barcelos took up martial arts early in his childhood. He ended up on the mats when he was just two years old. Gradually, his initial play-fighting and casual adventures transitioned into dedicated practice sessions.
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After years of training, Barcelos went on to win the IBJJF World Championships three times. He bagged the gold twice (2002 and 2003) while competing as a blue belt; his third triumph came in 2006 as a purple belt. The 38-year-old has dedicated his success to his father on multiple occasions.
His dedication to training has built a strong grappling base, something he’s showcased repeatedly in his MMA career. Outside the cage, his Instagram shows a softer side—he enjoys spending time with his wife, Raunae Martins, and their son, Rayan.
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His family and fans will hope that Barcelos manages to boost his winning streak to three victories with a triumph over the former bantamweight King, Cody Garbrandt, at UFC Atlanta on June 14.