UFC on ESPN 73: Simón vs. Barcelos goes down November 8, 2025, showcasing a classic clash of styles between Oregon’s relentless pressure wrestler Ricky Simón and Brazil’s dynamic striker-grappler Raoni Barcelos. Both men are elite technicians looking to reclaim momentum in a loaded bantamweight division.
Ricky Simón
Ricky Simón (22–6) is a former LFA champion and one of the division’s most tireless wrestlers. Holding the second-most takedowns in UFC bantamweight history (44), Simón has built his reputation on volume, cardio, and suffocating top control. After a rough three-fight skid, he’s rebounded with conviction—scoring a first-round KO over Javid Basharat and a dominant decision win over Cameron Smotherman.
Simón blends crisp boxing entries with powerful level changes, constantly pressuring opponents backward. His chain wrestling and positional awareness make him lethal in prolonged grappling exchanges, while his improving striking adds balance to his attack. He’s not a one-shot finisher, but his pace and durability consistently break opponents over time.
Ricky Simón – Last 5 Fights:
1. Win vs. Cameron Smotherman – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC on ESPN: Usman vs. Buckley, June 14, 2025
2. Win vs. Javid Basharat – KO (Punch) – UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Song, Feb 22, 2025
3. Loss vs. Vinicius Oliveira – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 303, June 29, 2024
4. Loss vs. Mario Bautista – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Walker 2, Jan 13, 2024
5. Loss vs. Song Yadong – TKO (Punches) – UFC on ESPN: Song vs. Simón, Apr 29, 2023
Simón’s keys are to pressure early, dictate the pace through takedown attempts, and maintain top control to neutralize Barcelos’ power. His ability to mix striking entries with level changes will be crucial to breaking Barcelos’ rhythm and confidence.
Raoni Barcelos
Raoni Barcelos (20–5) enters as one of the most skilled and underrated fighters in the division. A Brazilian national wrestling champion and decorated BJJ black belt, Barcelos couples his grappling pedigree with elite boxing and thunderous power. A former RFA featherweight champion, he’s earned multiple UFC bonuses with high-paced, technical performances.
Barcelos is riding a three-fight win streak, including decision victories over former champion Cody Garbrandt and rising star Payton Talbott, plus a submission win over Cristian Quiñonez. His blend of heavy counterstriking, sharp footwork, and defensive wrestling makes him dangerous in every phase. On the mat, he transitions seamlessly from scrambles to back-takes, often turning defense into offense.
Raoni Barcelos – Last 5 Fights:
1. Win vs. Cody Garbrandt – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC on ESPN: Usman vs. Buckley, June 14, 2025
2. Win vs. Payton Talbott – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 311, Jan 18, 2025
3. Win vs. Cristian Quiñonez – Submission (RNC) – UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Royval 2, Feb 24, 2024
4. Loss vs. Kyler Phillips – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC on ESPN: Sandhagen vs. Font, Aug 5, 2023
5. Loss vs. Umar Nurmagomedov – KO (Body Kick/Punch) – UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Imavov, Jan 14, 2023
Barcelos’ keys are to stuff takedowns early, punish Simón’s entries with uppercuts and elbows, and force striking exchanges in open space. If he keeps the fight standing, his hand speed and precision could expose Simón’s defensive gaps.
Fight Breakdown
Expect a stylistic chess match between Simón’s grinding wrestling and Barcelos’ multi-dimensional counterattack. Simón will likely push a relentless pace, looking to drag Barcelos into deep water, while Barcelos will aim to create damage in the transitions—particularly with knees, short punches, and submission threats from scrambles.
The key question: can Simón sustain his pace without getting clipped or countered by Barcelos’ sharper striking? Barcelos has the skill set to make Simón pay for lazy entries, but Simón’s conditioning and wrestling persistence often tilt close rounds in his favor.
Prediction
A razor-close matchup between two of bantamweight’s most complete fighters. Barcelos may find early success on the feet, but Simón’s volume, takedowns, and relentless top pressure should allow him to pull ahead as the fight wears on.
Prediction: Ricky Simón def. Raoni Barcelos via Decision (Unanimous)
A victory reestablishes Simón among the top-15 contenders, while a Barcelos upset would cement his resurgence as one of the division’s most dangerous veterans.