Brazilian star Renato Moicano secured yet another victory at UFC Paris. Now, he has his eyes set on the top-ranked fighters in the lightweight division. He has already trashed lightweight contender Dan Hooker multiple times. Paddy Pimblett also remains in his sight. It appears a win over either of them might not help Moicano earn a title shot. As such, he has an excellent plan.
Renato Moicano recently sat down for a conversation on another episode of the Show Me the Money podcast. During his conversation with Gilbert Burns and Matty Betss, Moicano expressed his determination to become the champion of the lightweight division. His next step toward the championship would be a showdown against a top contender and a former interim champion.
Let’s make the fight for December, I’m telling you that I’m ready for December, [or] January. It doesn’t matter but if Dan Hooker doesn’t want that fight, let’s go with Justin Gaethje. I saw Chael Sonnen talking about that and I agree with him, Justin Gaethje would be a good fight… I’m coming for the gold my brother, I will be f***** champion of this division.
Renato Moicano via Show Me The Money podcast
Chael Sonnen also supports this matchup, arguing that Justin Gaethje would be a perfect opponent for Moicano. Sonnen believes the UFC has more freedom with Gaethje compared to fighters like Dustin Poirier. It is because Gaethje is not positioning his career as nearing retirement. A win over Gaethje might result in an instant title shot for the Brazilian star.
🏆 Renato Moicano wants to fight Justin Gaethje in December/January or anyone in the Top who is available.
Says he is coming for the Lightweight belt 🫡
🎥 @showmethepod pic.twitter.com/oiUytxPi4O— Show Me the Money Podcast (@showmethepod) October 2, 2024
Despite a dominant TKO victory over Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC Paris, Moicano was upset about being overlooked in the rankings. Justin Gaethje has 8 ‘Fight of the Night’ bonuses in his career. He is a more decorated and high-profile opponent than Pimblett or Hooker at the moment. It remains to be seen if the UFC books a fight between #11-ranked Moicano and #3-ranked Gaethje.
Renato Moicano still stunned by the unfair rankings post-UFC Paris
Benoit Saint-Denis was ranked No. 12 in the lightweight division before facing Renato Moicano. He stayed at the same rankings despite losing at UFC Paris. This incident highlighted ongoing concerns about inconsistencies in UFC’s ranking system. The rankings is influenced by media votes and often criticized for being subjective.
‘Money Moicano’ addressed the same during his conversation on the Show Me The Money podcast. Co-host Matty Betss brought up the issue and questioned what was wrong with the rankings. Moicano pointed out the inconsistency although simultaneously acknowledging that the fighters have to keep chasing their dream.
I cannot believe brother that not only did they not put me up, Benoit is in the same place brother. How crazy is that? You lose and you are in the same place?
Renato Moicano via Show Me The Money podcast
UFC CEO Dana White is on Team Moicano regarding this issue. The UFC boss revealed that he plans to address it by introducing AI to manage rankings. White’s emphasis stems from his never-ending back and forth with critics and fans regarding the P4P ranking of heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Either way, ‘Money Moicano’ is upset but will look to move forward to a title shot.
