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. ‘Money Moicano’ 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 Pimblett’s skills. Moicano highlighted Pimblett’s dominant first-round submission victory over Bobby Green and praised Pimblett’s performance.
I’m very impressed. I think Paddy Pimblett is tougher match up than Dan Hooker… Props to Paddy Pimblett… 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. Moicano’s comments also reflect his broader understanding of the UFC’s 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.
⚡️Renato Moicano says he’s impressed by Paddy Pimblett’s last fight. He also believes that Paddy Pimblett is tougher fight than Dan Hooker.
“I’m very impressed. I think Paddy Pimblett is tougher match up than Dan Hooker. Back in a day it would be crazy to say. But right now we… pic.twitter.com/jvcWfkT7Om
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) September 24, 2024
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 UFC’s lightweight division has made him reconsider his priorities. Especially, after Hooker’s UFC 305 performance against Mateusz Gamrot.
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 Benoît Saint-Denis. In Moicano’s eyes, if the UFC’s goal is to elevate Saint Denis’ profile, they might have chosen the “wrong guy” for the job. Moicano has been vocal about this in interviews, expressing confidence in his abilities and the danger he presents in the octagon.
Renato Moicano on fighting Benoit Saint Denis (Image via Imago)The Brazilian believes that he could ruin Saint-Denis’ 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 Benoît Saint Denis and I’m not even mad, that is just business… He can make good money for the UFC but guess what? UFC called the wrong guy because I’m going over there and I’m 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, Moicano’s experience makes him a serious threat.
