The bantamweight division just got just a little more interesting. A compelling matchup between Montel Jackson and Raoni Barcelos has been confirmed for UFC Vegas 116, scheduled for April twenty fifth on the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, per MMA Fighting. The booking pits two seasoned veterans against one another in what must be a technical, high-stakes showdown with serious divisional implications.
🚨 Montel Jackson vs. Raoni Barcelos is about for UFC Vegas 116 on April twenty fifth, per @MMAFighting. pic.twitter.com/PSZgUbrTld
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) March 2, 2026
Montel “Quik” Jackson has been one among the more underappreciated fighters within the 135-pound weight class for years. A former Division I wrestler with elite grappling credentials, Jackson has steadily developed right into a well-rounded competitor with legitimate ending ability. He’s the sort of fighter who doesn’t all the time get the highlight but consistently delivers when the cage door closes. Coming into this fight, Jackson can be trying to string together a press release win that pushes him further up the divisional ladder.
Standing across from him can be Raoni Barcelos, a Brazilian veteran who has quietly put together one among the more impressive resumes within the bantamweight division. Barcelos is a dynamic, high-volume striker with a relentless pace that may wear down opponents across three rounds. He’s the kind of fighter who makes each fight entertaining, and his resilience has been tested and proven multiple times throughout his UFC tenure.
The stylistic contrast here’s what makes this matchup so intriguing. Jackson will likely look to manage the fight together with his long-range attacks and limit the damage Barcelos can do on the feet, while Barcelos will wish to get within the pocket to negate the massive height and reach advantage Jackson has and potentially drag him into deep waters where Jackson is understood to have a little bit of a cardio issue. Whoever can impose their game plan early will likely have the sting.
UFC Vegas 116 is shaping as much as be a robust card for fight fans, and this bantamweight clash is a welcome addition to the lineup.