R. Moicano (photo) in UFC victory (Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @renato_moicano_ufc)
Renato Moicano has once again shaken up the MMA world by revealing that he refused to accept the compensation he was entitled to in the lawsuit filed against the UFC. During his podcast, 'Show Me The Money,' the Brazilian explained why he decided to forgo the multi-million dollar compensation, which was intended for athletes who played for the organization between 2010 and 2017.
Moicano, who debuted in the UFC in 2014, could have received between $100 and $150, according to his own statement. However, the Brazilian said he didn't feel comfortable accepting the payment, even though he acknowledged that the company's previous contracts were unfavorable.
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"I just had to put my name there, and the money would come. But I didn't accept it. Everyone who took that check is, in my opinion, dishonest. Easy money. Free check," he said.
The criticism extended to former Octagon teammates, who, in the fighter's view, accepted the compensation even though they had signed the contracts voluntarily at the time. He recalled that when he joined the UFC, his deal was an "8-8" arrangement. That is, $8 to fight and $8 to win. Even though he thought it was low, he stated that he accepted the terms because he needed the opportunity.
"I remember my first UFC contract. It was 8-8. And they said, 'That was wrong of you, the UFC exploited you.' I agree. But that doesn't change the fact that I accepted those terms at the time," added the Brazilian.
Moicano was criticized on social media
The backlash on social media was intense. Moicano received criticism for his stance, but he maintained his position. He stated that each athlete has the freedom to not sign with the UFC if they disagree with the conditions offered, and denied that the company has a monopoly in the sport, citing organizations like the PFL as viable alternatives.
"I'm amazed at how many people are criticizing me for deciding not to accept the money from the UFC lawsuit. I agreed to the terms of the contract. At the time, that money was very important to me. If you're not satisfied, you can simply choose not to sign the contract. And I agreed to sign. That money, at the time, was good for me. The UFC is a company focused on productivity. I'm doing this for myself and for the things I believe in," he wrote in 'X'.
I'm amazed by how many people are cursing me out for my decision not to take the money from the lawsuit against the UFC. I believe those who are criticizing me haven't stopped to think about something simple: you shouldn't need a contract for your word to mean something. I agreed…
— Renato Moicano (@moicanoufc) July 18, 2025
Understand the lawsuit against the UFC
The antitrust lawsuit against the UFC was filed by a group of former UFC fighters, who allege that the company adopted monopolistic practices to control the MMA market and reduce athlete salaries. The case began in 2014 and involved up to 1.200 former athletes, including Cung le and CB Dollaway.
Plaintiffs accused the UFC of exclusive and coercive contracts, where fighters were forced to sign long-term contracts, with clauses that made it difficult to negotiate with other organizations.
The argument goes that the UFC purchased or forced the closure of rival organizations, such as Pride, Strikeforce, and the World Championships (WEC), to eliminate competition and maintain its monopoly on the market. The company allegedly used strategies to keep athletes "locked" into contracts, imposing unfavorable conditions and limiting their negotiating options.
Legal developments
In 2024, the UFC initially agreed to pay $335 million to settle the case, but Judge Richard Boulware rejected the settlement as insufficient. A new settlement was later reached, in which the UFC agreed to pay $375 million to settle the case.
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