UFC lightweight Renato Moicano cannot afford to lose. After beating Benoit Saint-Denis earlier in Paris, the Brazilian revealed why he intends to keep his win streak going. Moicano went as far as to declare that he would fight off undefeated lightweight legend Khabib Nurmagomedov if he had to. Here is what happened:
After his win at UFC Paris, Renato Moicano had a discussion with the ESPN MMA panel. Talking to Karyn Bryant, Michael Bisping, and Anthony Smith at the UFC Fight Night Post Show, Moicano highlighted why he intends to keep raking in wins. The one against Benoit Saint-Denis was his fourth on in a row since 2022.
I want to see my kid grow in a great backyard with a pool. And then I did that mistake so, until the house is paid, until all my debt is paid I cannot afford to lose. Does not matter if even Khabib come back I will beat Khabib.
Renato Moicano via ESPN MMA
Renato Moicano initially began fighting in Brazil’s regional circuits. He made his UFC debut in 2014 and built a reputation as a skilled submission artist, particularly known for his rear-naked choke finishes. After competing in the featherweight division, where he had notable wins and a few setbacks, Moicano moved to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s lightweight division in 2020, which revitalized his career.
Following his win against Alexander Hernandez at UFC 271, Moicano made his infamous declaration, “Moicano wants money!”. As he approaches his mid-thirties, Moicano is acutely aware that the window to maximize his earnings in the UFC is shrinking. The Brazilian has embraced this challenge head-on.
Renato Moicano’s candid discussions about his financial aspirations have made waves in the MMA world. His shift in focus from purely athletic goals to financial security began in 2020, when his son was born. This life event made him reconsider his priorities.
Renato Moicano on fighting as a business (Image via Imago)In the past, fighters often shied away from discussing financial motivations publicly. But Moicano has taken the opposite route. Earlier this year at UFC Vegas 85, the Brazilian talked about it during the media day.
But as I get to be older, I started to realize that this is just a business. If people know you, they’re going to support you… I started to learn about business, economics and stuff like that. I decided to speak my mind, and it’s working for me, not only in UFC but in life too.
Renato Moicano at UFC Vegas 85 media day
Moicano, making money is not just about personal wealth. It is about being able to stay home, spend time with his family, and provide them with a better quality of life. At 35, Moicano does not expect to fight until he is 40 or beyond, as some fighters do. This awareness drives him to seek bigger fights, bigger payouts, and more lucrative opportunities while he still has the physical capacity to compete at a high level.
