The dream of being an Ultimate champion excites any fighter and, with Renato Moicano, is no different. The lightweight (up to 70,3kg.), who submitted Jai Herbeth in the second round of the UFC Las Vegas 30, an event held last Saturday (26), revealed the paths he plans to take to reach a fight for the division title.
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In an exclusive interview with the SUPER FIGHTS, the Brasilia native states that he doesn't worry about measuring strength against athletes outside the division's ranking. Furthermore, he is inspired by the trajectory of Charles of the Bronx in the organization to, in the future, also be a champion.
“I stopped waiting. I was very focused and put a lot of pressure on myself about my performances, the way I fought and the way people had to see me. But nowadays I'm only worried about winning my fights. I hope they give me a ranked opponent, but if they don't, I'll keep fighting and making my money. I reflected a lot on Charles of the Bronx, because until he took off, he had some defeats, gained 'body' and managed to become champion”, said Moicano.
Before switching to lightweight (up to 70,3kg), Renato came close to a chance at the featherweight title (up to 65,7kg), but, on that occasion, he lost to José Aldo e Korean zombie. As a result, Moicano preferred to move up a category, but says he was surprised to have been removed from the ranking. He, however, already claims to be satisfied and doesn't mind facing other fighters who don't appear in the top 15.
“I was always there in the top-10, facing ranked players. I was seventh at featherweight and when I moved up to lightweight, they deranked me and I was really upset about that. But then I understood that it was another category and I had to start all over again. I learned that (being in the ranking) doesn't make any difference, but being champion does”, said the Brazilian.
SURPRISE WITH HERBERT
Reflecting on his first performance in 2021, Renato Moicano was impressed with the quality of Jai Herbert. The Brazilian, who submitted him in the second round with a rear-naked choke, highlighted that the Englishman brought a different game to his striking that left him afraid.
“I can't say he was surprising, because I was aware that he was a good striker. But, at the time of the fight, I was afraid because of his speed on his feet. He was very fast and moved in a strange way. Generally I don't have any problems with Srikers, but this guy made me a little scared. The plan was to play down, really”, says the Brasiliense.
AND THE NEXT STEP?
If other fighters can avoid certain confrontations, the same should not be said about Renato Moicano. Asked about his next fight in Ultimate, the fighter reveals that he only has one more fight left in his contract with the organization and must negotiate its renewal before returning to perform. Finally, he also highlights that he wants to face Gregor Gillespie and quote Islam makhachev as a possible opponent.
“I would really like to fight against Gregor Gillespie. I know he's a guy that a lot of people avoid, right? So, I think the fights that people avoid are the easiest to get. I also spoke about (Islam) Makhachev. But at the moment, I only have one fight under contract with the UFC. So, first I'll have to renew to see who my opponent will be. I’m very calm, I wasn’t injured and ready to return soon”, he concluded.
ATHLETE HISTORY
Professional since 2010, Renato Moicano He arrived undefeated in ten fights before his debut in Ultimate, which took place in 2014. Since then, the Brasilia native has gone through 'ups and downs' in the organization and now has a record of 15 positive results, four negative results and one draw.
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