The current UFC lightweight roster is filled with exciting fighters stepping up their game in competition. Among them, Renato Moicano has been delivering impressive performances and is full of confidence. As such, the Brazilian fighter has even expressed his desire to fight Justin Gaethje next. Not only that, he has even stated his intention to finish Gaethje in their potential fight.
Renato Moicano’s most recent fight occurred at the UFC Paris. The Brazilian fighter headlined the fight card against Benoit Saint-Denis and completely dominated him to secure the win. Following the fight, Moicano expressed interest in facing tougher opponents and even issued a challenge to Justin Gaethje. In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Moicano discussed what he would do in a potential fight.
I’m not saying that I won’t shoot for the takedown, because I will. But I’ll try to knock him out too. Ground-and-pound, stand-up, I don’t care…
Renato Moicano via MMA Fighting
Additionally, Moicano mentioned that he plans to use his grappling skills to take on Gaethje. The former BMF champion is known for his striking abilities and tends to avoid grappling. Moicano sees this as a weakness and wants to capitalize on it.
Previously, Gaethje’s fights against Charles Oliveira and Khabib Nurmagomedov highlight this tendency. Interestingly, Moicano has achieved six rear-naked choke submission victories, which tie for third place in UFC competition.
⚡️😳Renato Moicano says he will ‘knock Justin Gaethje the f*** out’ if they fight.
“I’m not saying that I won’t shoot for the takedown, because I will. But I’ll try to knock him out too. Ground-and-pound, stand-up, I don’t care.”
🎥 @MMAFighting ▫️ pic.twitter.com/zR20fETXt8
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) October 9, 2024
Gaethje is not the only fighter Moicano has targeted for his next fight. Following his victory at UFC Paris, Moicano expressed interest in fighting Dan Hooker or Paddy Pimblett. He even criticized Hooker’s UFC rankings. However, several individuals are interested in a fight between Moicano and Gaethje.
UFC legend believes Justin Gaethje is the next best option for Renato Moicano
Justin Gaethje is widely regarded as one of the most thrilling lightweights in UFC history. He has overcome numerous talented fighters in the division throughout his career, hindering their progress. Rafael Fiziev is a notable example of this. However, Gaethje’s recent performances have been inconsistent, as evidenced by his recent loss to Max Holloway.
Meanwhile, Moicano is currently climbing the ranks in the division, despite being a veteran in the promotion. According to Chael Sonnen, Gaethje would be a perfect opponent for a rising lightweight fighter. Therefore, he wants the former BMF champion to fight Moicano next.
(Renato) Moicano’s next fight is Justin Gaethje. For me that’s like glaringly obvious… That match makes sense. Justin’s got the rankings, he’s got the support, he’s got a lot of things…
Chael Sonnen on his official YouTube channel
Amidst that, Sonnen was also interested in Renato Moicano vs. Dustin Poirier matchup. However, he believes Gaethje is a better matchup for the Brazilian star. It will be interesting to see how things unfold between the former BMF champion and the rising lightweight contender.
