UFC Fight Night: What Time Does Raul Rosas Jr. vs. Raoni Barcelos Start?

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The 21-year-old Mexican bantamweight headlines his first UFC card against Brazilian veteran Raoni Barcelos in the main event of UFC Fight Night 289. By competing in the five-round headliner, Rosas Jr. becomes the youngest athlete to ever main event a UFC card, adding to a growing list of youthful accolades as he continues working toward his stated goal of becoming the youngest champion in UFC history.

The event takes place at the Las Vegas APEX facility after a major numbered card the previous weekend.

Raul Rosas Jr.© Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

UFC Fight Night Details and Start Times

Date: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026

Location: Meta APEX in Las Vegas, Nev.

Prelims: 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT

Main Card: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT

Streaming: Paramount+

Key Card Update: Due to medical issues, Mickey Gall has been removed from his scheduled middleweight bout with Sedriques Dumas. Recent Dana White’s Contender Series signee Luis Hernandez will step in to make his UFC debut on short notice. The bout will now take place at light heavyweight.

Main Event Octagon Walk Times

The main event ring walk times depend on the length of the preceding bouts on the main card. As a general guideline, Rosas Jr. and Barcelos are expected to make their walks to the Octagon approximately 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.

For a full breakdown of the main event, refer to our previous UFC Vegas 121 article.

Co-Main Event

While the main event carries historical significance, the penultimate bout on the main card offers an intriguing matchup from a pure action standpoint.

Rodolfo Vieira is a multiple-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion whose grappling credentials are among the most decorated in the middleweight division. The 36-year-old has secured five of his six UFC victories by submission.

Robert Bryczek enters looking to rebound after dropping a decision to Cam Rowston in his last outing, holding a 1-2 record in the promotion with his lone UFC victory coming by knockout. The Polish striker possesses legitimate one-punch power and will be looking to keep the fight standing at all costs.

This stylistic clash between a world-class grappler and a dangerous knockout artist typically produces either a highlight-reel finish or a tense chess match.

Underrated Fights

Norma Dumont vs. Ailin Perez (Women’s Bantamweight)

This prelim matchup between two top-five ranked bantamweights carries significant title implications. Both women are riding momentum and understand that a victory here could secure a shot at the bantamweight champion, Kayla Harrison.

Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Ailin Perez (red gloves) celebrates defeating Joselyne Edwards (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center.Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Dumont brings technical striking and improved grappling, while Perez has showcased relentless pressure and finishing instincts. The stakes alone make this appointment viewing.

Montel Jackson vs. Ricky Simon (Bantamweight)

This fight between Ricky Simon and Montel Jackson is a bantamweight clash between two proven action fighters with complementary styles. Jackson’s length and striking will be tested against Simon’s wrestling pressure and durability. The winner keeps their name relevant in a deep 135-pound division.

Yazmin Jauregui vs. Vanessa Demopoulos (Women’s Strawweight)

Jauregui enters as a massive betting favorite, but Demopoulos has made a career of defying expectations.

Jun 14, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, UNITED STATES; Vanessa Demopoulos (blue gloves) prior to the fight against Jamey-Lyn Horth (red gloves) during UFC Fight Night at State Farm Arena.Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Mexican strawweight Jauregui brings crisp boxing and aggressive combinations, while Demopoulos is a scrappy grappler who will look to close the distance and test Jauregui’s defensive grappling.

Prelim cards often deliver the most unexpected results, and this fight is no exception.

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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the MMA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.