MMA Match Preview: Ricky Simon (22-6) vs. Raoni Barcelos (20-5)

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Venue & Event Details

Event: UFC Vegas 111 – Bonfim vs. Brown

Location: UFC Apex, Enterprise (Las Vegas), Nevada

Start Time: Prelims begin 5:00 p.m. ET; Simon vs. Barcelos walkouts ~7:45 p.m. ET

Broadcast: ESPN+ (USA), TNT Sports (UK)

Injury & Availability Report

Ricky Simon: No reported injuries; cleared after June 2025 win vs. Cameron Smotherman.

Raoni Barcelos: No reported injuries; healthy camp following June 2025 win vs. Cody Garbrandt.

Recent Form & Fight History

Ricky Simon

W vs. Cameron Smotherman (UD, June 2025)

W vs. Javid Basharat (KO, Feb 2025)

L vs. Song Yadong (KO, 2023)

Style: High-pressure wrestler with heavy ground-and-pound, mixes boxing entries with takedowns.

Raoni Barcelos

W vs. Cody Garbrandt (UD, June 2025)

W vs. Payton Talbott (UD, 2024)

W vs. Cristian Quinonez (SUB, 2024)

Style: Veteran striker with sharp boxing, improved grappling, and strong takedown defense.

Betting Trends

Simon has rebounded with two straight wins, showing KO power and grinding wrestling.

Barcelos has reinvented himself with three consecutive wins, including a statement victory over Garbrandt.

Market leans toward Simon due to wrestling dominance, but Barcelos’ striking volume and 85% takedown defense make him a live underdog.

Line movement has stabilized, with Simon holding ~58% implied win probability.

Key Takeaway

This is a classic wrestler vs. striker matchup: Simon brings relentless takedown pressure and cardio, while Barcelos offers veteran striking and elite takedown defense. Oddsmakers favor Simon, but Barcelos’ resurgence makes this a razor-close fight with upset potential.

FIGHT ODDS

Ricky Simon                       – 165

Raoni Barcelos                  + 145

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, November 7, 2025

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Fight Editor
Profile: A seasoned combat‑sports analyst with a deep understanding of the tactical, technical, and promotional forces that shape modern MMA and boxing. This columnist delivers comprehensive coverage that blends fight‑film study, statistical insight, and industry context to break down matchups, rising contenders, and the evolving landscape of global combat sports. Background: With extensive experience covering major promotions, championship bouts, and regional circuits, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets and digital platforms focused on fighter development, coaching philosophies, and matchmaking strategy. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to evaluating performance, interpreting data, and tracking long‑term career trajectories across weight classes and organizations. Signature Coverage Areas: Fight previews and stylistic matchups Technical breakdowns of striking, grappling, and defensive systems Prospect scouting, rankings analysis, and divisional movement Promotional strategy, business trends, and event‑building dynamics Historical context, legacy discussions, and championship narratives Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex techniques, tactical adjustments, and statistical models into insights that resonate with both long‑time fight fans and new followers of combat sports. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the discipline, strategy, and global reach of MMA and boxing.