R. Moicano (photo) in UFC victory (Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @renato_moicano_ufc)
The recent criticism of aljamain sterling about the frequency of fights Alex Poatán in the UFC generated a resounding response from Renato Moicano. In a video published on his YouTube channel, the former bantamweight champion (up to 61,2 kg) questioned the Brazilian's strategy and believes that the lack of time for recovery between fights could lead to 'accumulated damage' and was classified as 'insanity'.
Moicano, who is in the UFC's lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg), did not mince words when responding to the American. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Brazilian stated that Aljo was 'absolutely wrong' and highlighted Poatan's financial gains.
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“Last year he generated between 40 and 50 million dollars. That justifies any risk,” the fighter wrote.
Sterling, who moved up to featherweight after losing his bantamweight belt in 2023, has a history of warning about the dangers of overbooked schedules. In his video, the 35-year-old cited Poatan's streak as an example of unnecessary exposure to injury.
“Three title defenses in seven months, after such grueling fights, is an invitation to disaster,” he declared.
Already Moicano, who recently challenged Islam makhachev for the lightweight title, chose to focus on the financial aspect. The statement suggests a philosophical divergence: on one hand, physical preservation; on the other, maximizing profits in a sport with a short window of opportunity.
The controversy illustrates the dilemmas faced by fighters in a scenario where financial success often depends on the willingness to accept consecutive fights. Poatan, who has experience in kickboxing and a meteoric rise in the UFC, is seen as an emblematic case. At 37 years old, the former middleweight and light heavyweight champion has a string of high-impact fights in a short space of time.
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