Magomed
Zaynukov has ruled out a return in 2026.

Zaynukov underwent surgery earlier this year for a lingering hand
injury. “Wild Chanco†is now recovering and has resumed training.
Recent rumors have linked a matchup Zaynukov and Manoel
Sousa for UFC Qatar
in November. However, he recently took to social media to shut down
the rumors.

Magomed Zaynukov says he never signed to fight Manoel Sousa at
UFC Qatar

The Dagestani lightweight also revealed that he won't be fighting
for the rest of the year, as he continues to recover from
surgery.

“I didn't sign any contract for this fight,†Zaynukov wrote on his
Instagram Stories. “I won't be fighting this year due to surgery.
I'm currently undergoing rehabilitation and recovery.â€

Zaynukov (9-0) amassed a substantial fan following as Islam
Makhachev's teammate even before joining the
Ultimate Fighting Championship. The undefeated 31-year-old made
his Octagon debut this past July, scoring a unanimous decision win
over Damian
Rzepecki after earning a contract on
Dana White's Contender Series.

Magomed
Zaynukov denies having signed a contract for this fight and
says he’s in recovery, won’t fight till 2027#UFCQatar
https://t.co/HUlQYzICF1
pic.twitter.com/gYPZpuL49d

— The Matchmaker (@MMA__Matchmaker)
September 27, 2026

Renato
“Money†Moicano believes Raoni
Barcelos embodies the Brazilian fighting spirit.

Barcelos (22-6) took on one of the hottest prospects in the

Ultimate Fighting Championship, Raul Rosas
Jr. (13-1), in the main event of
UFC Vegas 121 in Las Vegas. Barcelos was ahead on the
scorecards entering the final round, but suffered a concerning
stoppage loss.

Moicano praises Barcelos after his stoppage loss to Raul Rosas
Jr.

Their brutal back-and-forth war was seemingly up for grabs heading
into the final frame. Rosas Jr. started strong, and during a clinch
up against the cage wall, Barcelos suddenly went limp. The former
was declared the winner, while the latter was removed on a
stretcher from the Octagon.

“Moicano†lauded Barcelos for going out on his shield like a
warrior. The UFC lightweight felt proud to be a Brazilian after
watching Barcelos' performance and believes the 39-year-old
bantamweight veteran should be a role model for the coming
generations.

“Raoni Barcelos yesterday showed the essence of what it means to be
a Brazilian fighter, a warrior,†he posted on X. “He left carried
on his shield, but he left with all honor and all glory. Raoni
Barcelos fills me with pride and hope in being Brazilian, not just
in the fight. We have to make these Brazilians be an example for
the young people.â€

Barcelos was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he regained
consciousness. His coach, Davi Ramos,
on Saturday night confirmed that he is responsive and moving
around. He is still under supervision and awaiting test results to
determine the exact issue.

Raoni
Barcelos ONTEM MOSTROU A ESSÊNCIA DO QUE É SER UM LUTADOR
BRASILEIRO, UM GUERREIRO. SAIU CARREGADO EM SEU ESCUDO, MAS SAIU
COM TODA HONRA E TODA GLÓRIA. Raoni
Barcelos ME ENCHE DE ORGULHO E DE ESPERANÇA EM SER BRASILEIRO,
NÃO SÓ NA LUTA. TEMOS QUE FAZER ESSES BRASILEIROS…

— Renato Moicano (@moicanoufc)
September 27, 2026

The
Ultimate Fighting Championship has provided an update on
Raoni
Barcelos following his concerning loss to Raul Rosas
Jr. at
UFC Vegas 121.

Barcelos was ahead on the scorecards entering the final round.
However, during a wrestling exchange against the Octagon wall, the
Brazilian veteran appeared to go limp, prompting the referee to
stop the fight. He was later taken out of the Octagon on a
stretcher and transported to a hospital. The UFC has since released
an update on his condition.

Raoni Barcelos stable and responsive after UFC Vegas 121 loss
to Raul Rosas Jr.

In a statement released hours after the event, the
UFC said Barcelos was transported to a Level 1 trauma center for
further evaluation. The promotion confirmed that the 39-year-old is
stable and responsive after his coach initially revealed the
same.

“Following his fight tonight, Raoni Barcelos was immediately
transported to a Level 1 trauma center for evaluation,†the
statement read. “The hospital medical team conducted a CT scan and
comprehensive assessment, and he is currently being monitored.
Barcelos is stable, alert and responsive, with full movement. He
will remain under medical supervision. We will provide updates on
his condition as they become available.â€

Barcelos both sustained and dished out significant damage against
Rosas Jr., with their high-paced, back-and-forth bout later earning
Fight of the Night honors.

“Barcelos is stable, alert and responsive,
with full movement.†https://t.co/V5NN8t9HEI

— UFC (@ufc) September
27, 2026