Renato Moicano is getting ready for a showdown later this month at UFC Paris. However, the Brazilian already has another rising contender in the division in sight. โMoney Moicanoโ recently expressed that Paddy Pimblett would be a tougher fight for him than #5 lightweight Dan Hooker. Here is what happened:
Renato Moicano recently sat down for a conversation with MMA Fighting. During their discussion, the Brazilian has seemingly shifted his view after initially doubting Pimblettโs skills. Moicano highlighted Pimblettโs dominant first-round submission victory over Bobby Green and praised Pimblettโs performance.
Iโm very impressed. I think Paddy Pimblett is tougher match up than Dan Hooker… Props to Paddy Pimblettโฆ He deserves some respect, not much but some respect.
Renato Moicano on MMA Fighting
While Hooker remains a formidable fighter, Moicano believes Pimblett now poses a more significant challenge. Moicanoโs comments also reflect his broader understanding of the UFCโs business. Here, marketability often trumps rankings in fight selections. Pimblett, with his rising popularity, presents a high-profile, potentially more lucrative matchup even though he is ranked #15.ย
Meanwhile, Dan Hooker is one of the top contenders in the division, sitting at #5. Moicano did not completely dismiss Hooker as an opponent. However, the evolving landscape of the UFCโs lightweight division has made him reconsider his priorities. Especially, after Hookerโs UFC 305 performance against Mateusz Gamrot.ย
Renato Moicano says UFC picked the wrong guy to push Benoit Saint-Denis
Renato Moicano believes the UFC made a strategic error by booking him to fight Benoรฎt Saint-Denis. In Moicanoโs eyes, if the UFCโs goal is to elevate Saint Denisโ profile, they might have chosen the โwrong guyโ for the job. Moicano has been vocal about this in interviews, expressing confidence in his abilities and the danger he presents in the octagon.
The Brazilian believes that he could ruin Saint-Denisโ plans. Moicano is a seasoned fighter, with experience against some of the top names in the UFC. Benoit Saint-Denis has been rapidly rising in the lightweight division with an impressive finishing rate. However, Moicano is determined to prove that his experience and skill set will not be easily overcome.
100% they trying to push Benoรฎt Saint Denis and Iโm not even mad, that is just businessโฆ He can make good money for the UFC but guess what? UFC called the wrong guy because Iโm going over there and Iโm beating him.
Renato Moicano on MMA Fighting
Saint-Denis will fight in front of a home crowd in Paris. That adds to the pressure and excitement surrounding the fight. However, Moicano is not fazed by the crowd or the hype surrounding his opponent. UFC analysts like Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier have weighed in on the matchup. They have noted that while Saint-Denis has the hometown advantage and is favored to win, Moicanoโs experience makes him a serious threat.ย