Win without fighting? Moicano praises former executioner, but questions decision to face UFC prospect

Renato Moicano in victory in the UFC (Photo: Instagram)

It seems like Renato Moicano is about to lose a strong contender in the title race without even stepping into the octagon. That's because his former rival, Raphael Fiziev, is paired with Ignatius Bahamondes No. UFC Baku, scheduled for next Saturday (21), in a duel that the Brasilia native claims makes no sense.

In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Moicano praised Fiziev's striking skills, highlighting his titles in Muay Thai and kickboxing, but questioned the fighter's decision to face Ignatius Bahamondes, a much taller and stronger opponent in the long-distance fight. Renato believes that, despite the technical level of his former rival, the great physical difference will cause difficulties; given the moment in his career, the representative of Kyrgyzstan should not take this risk. But, even so, he recognizes the positive side of the fight that eliminates one of the promising fighters in the lightweight division (up to 70,2 kg).

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“He really is a different guy when it comes to striking, he has several Muay Thai titles, several kickboxing titles. But I don’t know why the hell he accepted this fight with Ignacio Bahamondes. The guy is too tall for the category, he fights very well at distance. My brother, speaking purely as a striker, I think Fiziev is better, but his height will make a big difference, because one of Fiziev’s specialties is kicking. But how is he going to kick a two-meter-tall guy in the head if he’s one meter and seventy? My brother, if he raises his knee he’ll hit Fiziev in the mouth. This fight makes no sense at all, but I’m glad it’s happening, because it takes one of the division’s prospects out,” said Moicano.

Rafael Fiziev is on the decline in the UFC

R. Fiziev (left) defeated R. Moicano (right) in the UFC 256. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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Raphael Fiziev arrived at the UFC in 2019 and, after a defeat on his debut, he put together a streak of six consecutive victories until he was paired on Justin gaethje No. UFC 286Since then, the Kyrgyz representative has accumulated three consecutive defeats.