After putting on a show in his UFC lightweight debut (up to 70,3kg) in March, Renato Moicano arrived kicking the category's door, when he won Damir Hadzović. The Brazilian, who, for years, was among the featherweight elite (up to 65,7kg.) will make his second fight in the new division this Saturday (12), for UFC 256, facing Raphael Fiziev.
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With the new start in the group after a turbulent phase in his recent retrospect, the fighter spoke exclusively to SUPER LUTAS YouTube channel about his migration to the cast led by Khabib Nurmagomedov. The Brazilian also analyzed his clash this weekend, which could confirm his second victory in 2020.
Fresh start at lightweight
In 2019, Moicano was one step away from competing for the featherweight belt (up to 65,7kg). To reach the goal, the Brazilian would need to go through José Aldo, but Renato ended up beaten by Manauara. In the following fight, the athlete suffered a new setback, in the encounter against 'Korean zombie'. With two negative results in a row, the fighter chose to test himself at lightweight.
“At first, I didn’t take it well. We are athletes. Perhaps the person with the most inflated ego is the athlete. We are vain. (…) But we have to recognize that if I continued at featherweight, it would be worse for my career. I had to talk to the UFC – I had a difficult weight cut, which I think was holding me back. So, the UFC said: 'change category, but you will leave the rankings'. At first, I thought I wouldn't even get out of the rankings, but when I fought (in March), I already got out of the rankings and I said: 'f**k it'. (…) None of that matters. What matters is winning”, said the Brazilian.
Duel against Fiziev
After putting on a real show for the Brazilian fans in his first test in the under-70,3kg category, Moicano will be put to the test again in the penultimate event of the year. The Brazilian will face Raphael Fiziev, which has been riding on two consecutive victories. The athlete then analyzed the duel against his rival this weekend.
“I don't see him (Fiziev) as a good guy on the ground, to want to take me down, pass my guard, submit. (…) I have an advantage on the ground, but I'm thinking this fight will take place a lot on the feet. It's not muay thai, it's not kickboxing. Is different. (…) I have envisioned a very competitive fight, very tough, but with my arm raised”, said Renato.
technical evolution
In the UFC since 2014, Moicano has already fought against big names in the organization. With each performance, regardless of the result, the Brazilian understands that it is possible to evolve as an athlete. In the new phase, then, the fighter talked about improvement inside the octagon.
“Technically I’m much better than I was. This Moicano that you will see on Saturday is different. I'm not saying I'm going to 'take the guy out for nothing'. It's not like this. Fight is fight. The guy is tough, but I really trust that I will win and the performance will be different, due to how much I have been training, the form”, he concluded.
Saturday's clash will mark Renato's 19th appearance as a professional in MMA. The 31-year-old Brazilian currently has 14 wins, three setbacks and one draw. Fiziev, 27, has eight positive results and one negative.
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