Moicano downplays fight against rival, admits to old age and predicts he can 'serve as a stepping stone' in the UFC.

Moicano at UFC weigh-in. Photo: Reproduction/UFC.

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Renato Moicano doesn't believe he'll have the opportunity to face Dan Hooker in the UFC octagon. Recently, a war of words escalated the rivalry between the Brazilian and the New Zealander, but even with mutual interest in the fight, the fighter predicts the organization's plans are heading in a different direction.

During an interview on Ariel Helwani's show, Moicano stated that both he and Hooker are already experienced athletes and that, therefore, the UFC tends to use them as testing grounds for up-and-coming fighters. In the Brazilian's view, the organization should prioritize a fight between Benoit Saint-Denis and Dan Hooker.

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“Let’s be honest, we’re both old, and they probably want to use us as rivals for promising young players. I think what they’re going to do is pit Benoit Saint-Denis against Dan Hooker ,” said Moicano.

In an ironic tone, the Brazilian fighter also stated that neither of them are at their best right now, but that he considers Hooker technically inferior. According to Moicano, the New Zealander lacks a solid ground game, doesn't possess great knockout power, and struggles in grappling exchanges.

“He’s right. I’m terrible, and so is he. What he doesn’t realize is that he’s much, much worse than me; he has no ground game, no knockout power, and doesn’t know how to grapple. Unfortunately for both of us, the UFC won’t promote this fight,” concluded the Brazilian.

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