One of the Brazilian representatives at the UFC Las Vegas 30, Renato Moicano He doesn't hide his excitement for his return to the Octagon. This Saturday (26), the athlete will exchange forces against Jai Herbert and seeks to get back on track to get closer to the top 15 in the lightweight category (up to 70,3kg). In an exclusive chat with SUPER FIGHTS, the fighter analyzed his opponent, spoke about the reality in the new division and suggested an ideal outcome for the new commitment.
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A former featherweight standout (up to 65,7kg), Moicano will make his third fight in the top division. After winning in his debut and 'stumbling' afterwards, the Brazilian says he is ready for the new challenge.
New reality in lightweight
UFC representative since 2014, Renato has already faced big names within the company, such as Brian ortega, Korean zombie e José Aldo. Now, seeking success in the new category, the fighter spoke about the reality in the lightweight division.
“It’s the category I feel most comfortable in right now. It seems like a more difficult division to me, the guys are heavier, stronger. The hardship I was going through to lose weight was a little difficult for me. It's a category that I will adapt to. All it takes is time, fight,” she said.
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Experienced in the organization, Moicano also commented on the opponents who will be placed ahead of him in the under-70,3kg group. For the Tupiniquim, his history helps in the 'marriage of fights' against strong rivals.
“As I was a well-known guy in featherweight, it was natural for me to move up to lightweight and start facing tougher guys. I’ve had a win and a setback (since debuting in the division) and now I’m on the path to getting back on the winning track,” he declared.
Lesson in the last defeat
After an exciting debut at lightweight, Renato experienced the first negative result in the group in the meeting with Raphael Fiziev. Despite a good start to the clash, held in December 2020, the Brazilian ended up surprised with a knockout at the end of the first round. The athlete then spoke about the defeat and reinforced what he had learned.
“I can't get too comfortable in the fight. Even if you're enjoying the fight – and I was feeling good –, we always have to know that there are 'stones' on the other side. Really, I have to pay a little more attention. That’s the word I used in training: attention”, admitted Renato.
Opponent analysis
To win again, the Brazilian will need to prove his qualities against the dangerous Jai Herbert, who is looking for his first triumph with UFC gloves. Aware of the difficulties, the lightweight analyzed this weekend's rival, but showed confidence in a great performance.
“He is a tough athlete, who comes from striking, with a tough hand, but I trust myself a lot. I trust my team, my work. We will arrive well prepared and leave with a great victory and a great performance, which is also very important”, said the combatant.
Return to discarded feathers?
Playing in the UFC featherweight division between 2014 and 2019, Moicano was already one step away from challenging for the division's belt. The athlete, however, ended up moving away from the chance in the defeat to José Aldo, legend of the category. Afterwards, Renato was surpassed by Korean zombie and chose to migrate divisions. Although he is experiencing a new moment, the fighter spoke about a possible return to the under-65,7kg category.
"It depends largely. If they offer a fight that makes sense, that brings me closer to a belt, I would go down. (…) This is our dream. I know I can't cut that much weight for a long time. This will harm my health. If it were something really big, that would make me reach the top of the category again, I wouldn't rule out the possibility. (At the moment), I'm thinking about preserving my body, about being able to fight more and I think the 70kg (division). it gets better,” he said.
Optimal outcome
With the intention of putting on a show this weekend, Moicano is looking for a categorical triumph to reinforce his return to winning ways. Thus, the Brazilian declared what his dream triumph would be in the clash against Herbert.
“I hope it ends, but we’ll see. We are prepared for the three rounds. My bet is for a great performance, a show, a fight that the fans can follow and return the name 'Renato Moicano' to the lightweight category”, he concluded.
Athletes' history
A professional in MMA since 2010, Moicano is making his 20th appearance in the sport. Today, the 32-year-old Brazilian has 14 wins, four defeats and one draw.
Reaching his 13th commitment in mixed martial arts, Jai Herbert seeks to recover from the setback suffered by Francisco Massaranduba in his UFC debut. The athlete, 33, currently has 10 positive results and two negative results.
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