Raoni Barcelos inspired by Glover Teixeira ahead of Raul Rosas Jr. fight

Raoni Barcelos believes age is not a limitation in his pursuit of UFC gold. The veteran bantamweight will face Raul Rosas Jr. in the main event of UFC Vegas 121 on Saturday looking to continue his climb in the division rankings. Despite being 39 years old, Barcelos is inspired by his longtime friend Glover Teixeira, who showed that becoming champion later in a career is still possible.

Raoni Barcelos Embraces First UFC Main Event

Barcelos enters the matchup riding a five-fight winning streak in one of the best moments of his UFC career. Currently sitting at No. 9 in the bantamweight division, the Brazilian will finally headline an event for the first time in his UFC career. Speaking at Wednesday's media day, Barcelos admitted that finally seeing his name at the top of a promotional poster has made this fight feel especially meaningful.

"I'm taking in every moment, every second and just trying to enjoy this week the most and I'm just really happy. [...] I think that's why I'm so happy. For so long, I've been there. I've signed so many posters with other people's faces on it, just kind of wondering, 'When is my face going to be on there?' Now, it's finally here so I just want to enjoy every second of it."

The veteran also believes his career has become more relatable to fans as his story has continued to develop inside the Octagon.

"I think building a story is what brings you fans. I really have a story, and I think people are noticing that. I think I've been gaining more fans, and I'm going to gain even more fans. It's really cool to see that and just keep going with what I'm doing."

Raoni Barcelos Wants to Follow Glover Teixeira's Path

One of the biggest inspirations in Barcelos' career remains former UFC light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira, who captured the title at 42 after years of competing in the promotion. The Brazilian sees clear similarities between their journeys and hopes to achieve the same kind of success as his friend.

"Glover is my friend. He's believed in me since the beginning. He's my biggest inspiration, and he had a similar path in the organization. A lot of people believed in him, and he just kept trucking on and eventually made it to the title. I see myself doing the same."

Despite facing one of the division's brightest prospects in the 21-year-old Rosas Jr., Barcelos insists he is not intimidated by the challenge. Instead, the Brazilian believes his recent performances gave him the confidence to embrace this opportunity.

"It doesn't scare me. I think after the Payton Talbott fight, I just became more and more confident in myself, seeing what I could do. Raul is tough and he's going to keep growing. There are a lot of other great fighters for him to fight. There are a lot of other great fights for him but this is my moment. I really believe this is my moment and my time."

Barcelos and Rosas Jr. will headline UFC Vegas 121 on Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.