Renato Moicano reveals behind-the-scenes details of the negotiations following Brian Ortega's departure from UFC 331.

Mohawk at the UFC press conference. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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Renato Moicano had a change of plans after Brian Ortega 's withdrawal from UFC 331. The Brazilian had considered remaining on the card next Saturday (19), but decided to wait for a new opportunity. The former lightweight title challenger (up to 70,3 kg) will now face Tom Nolan in the main event of UFC Vegas 123, scheduled for October 31, at the Meta APEX, in the (USA).

In an interview with Ariel Helwani's YouTube channel, available this Tuesday (15), Moicano revealed the behind-the-scenes of the conversation with Hunter Campbell, UFC's business director, after being informed about Ortega's departure. The Brazilian explained why he couldn't get a fight on the same card.

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“Hunter Campbell called me and said, ‘Ortega is out. What do you want to do?’ I thought maybe I could stay on the card, but I’d probably have to face someone unknown. No one with a name would accept that fight with only a week’s notice,” said Renato Moicano.

Given the situation, the Brazilian decided not to fight at UFC 331 and asked the organization to find a new opponent for a future date. The answer came with the name of Tom Nolan , who will be Moicano's next opponent in the octagon.

“So I called Hunter and said, ‘I don’t want to fight anyone else on Saturday. Let’s try to find someone for UFC 333.’ He said, ‘ Tom Nolan .’ And I said, ‘Okay.’ I was upset. I thought Brian Ortega would be an easy fight, to be honest, an easy payday, money in my pocket. Tom Nolan will be more difficult, but it is what it is,” the Brazilian concluded.

Moicano's journey in MMA.

Mohawk focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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At 37 years old, Renato Moicano is one of the most experienced names in the UFC lightweight division. A professional since 2010, the Brazilian has a record of 21 wins, seven losses, and one draw, with 11 wins by submission and two by knockout. Among his career highlights are victories over names like Alexander Hernandez , Cub Swanson , and Benoit Saint Denis.

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