From Conor McGregor‘s crowned gorilla to Max Holloway‘s angelic wings, UFC fighters often wear their stories on their skin. Tattoos in the Octagon aren’t just art—they’re windows into a fighter’s soul. They speak of heritage, struggles, and triumphs. For some, they’re also reminders of battles fought inside and outside the cage.

UFC bantamweight Raoni Barcelos is no stranger to this tradition. His tattoos stand as a visual narrative of his life’s journey. What do they mean, and how do they reflect his warrior spirit? Let’s delve into the meaning behind his ink and the remarkable journey that shaped him.

Raoni Barcelos’ tattoos

Raoni Barcelos doesn’t just fight like a champion; he carries the word “Campeão”—Portuguese for champion—boldly tattooed across his chest. This isn’t mere decoration. It’s a declaration. His left arm bears intricate tribal-style patterns, halting on his forearm.

These designs feel like a tribute to his roots, a nod to the warrior spirit embedded in his lineage. His neck and ribs display names, likely of loved ones, though their details remain a mystery.

But why ‘Campeão’? Ahead of his UFC 311 clash with Payton Talbott, Barcelos took to Instagram and captioned a video with the statement, “That’s why I carry CHAMPION on my chest!!!” In the video which features a training montage with a voice-over by the Brazilian fighter, he shared, “They can talk, they can doubt, but the truth is one. I was born to win for sure! In sports, in life, in everything. That’s why I carry the ‘Champion’ in my chest.”

He also revealed, “Someone on the outside thinks, this is just another workout, just another fight. But this is my life, my essence. Each punch, each kick, carries everything I’ve lived, everything I’ve conquered, and everything I will conquer.”

As such, Raoni Barcelos’ tattoos and career share a common thread—they’re stories of perseverance, identity, and an unyielding spirit. Whether he’s stepping into the Octagon or reflecting on his journey, Barcelos carries his legacy on his skin and in his heart. But how did this journey into the world of mixed martial arts begin for the Brazilian bantamweight?

How did Raoni Barcelos start fighting? MMA background

Raoni Barcelos was born on May 1, 1987, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, into a family steeped in martial arts. His father, Laerte Barcelos, is a legend in his own right, holding a 7th-degree coral belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and a decorated freestyle wrestler who competed for the Brazilian National Wrestling team.

In a Q&A with UFC.com, Barcelos explained, “I started training jiu-jitsu at age five because of my father, who is still my current trainer. I spent a few years on the Brazilian National Wrestling Team before transitioning to MMA.”

By 20, he had earned his black belt, collecting world titles in the lower belt classes along the way. But Raoni Barcelos’ journey wasn’t confined to jiu-jitsu. Inspired by his father’s legacy, he excelled in freestyle wrestling, becoming a five-time Brazilian national champion and a two-time South American champion.

In 2012, Barcelos transitioned to MMA. Fighting professionally, he showcased his skills in organizations like Shooto Brazil and Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA), where he claimed the featherweight title. And in 2018, he finally stepped into the Octagon in his UFC debut against Kurt Holobaugh which he won via a spectacular knockout!

Now, at UFC 311, he’ll be taking on rising star Payton Talbott. Barcelos’ last fight against Cristian Quinonez in 2024 ended with him securing a submission win, that snapped a two-fight losing skid for the Brazilian. One thing is certain: win or lose, Raoni Barcelos fights not just for victory but to honor the legacy he wears on his skin. Can his inked reminders of past victories and his warrior ethos fuel another triumph at UFC 311? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!