Moicano makes weight and confirms fight in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
A long-time member of the top 15 in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg), Renato Moicano He is facing a big dilemma. This Saturday (4), the veteran is in the main fight of ufc vegas 115, but, unlike Chris DuncanDespite his four-fight winning streak, he finds himself at a delicate point in his career. As if two consecutive losses weren't enough, the Brazilian is also being questioned by many regarding his behavior outside the octagon.
It's no secret that Moicano, with his unique way of communicating, is a hit on YouTube, becoming even more popular. The athlete gained prominence as a commentator and also entertains his channel subscribers for hours. However, from the moment the Brazilian became a social media personality and realized the power of the digital world, things took a turn for the worse, and his performance level dropped. And it didn't stop there.
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The most emblematic episode occurred at UFC Rio, an event held in October. On that occasion, Moicano offered himself to the league to replace the injured fighter. Raphael Fiziev against Charles of the BronxHowever, internally, he refused the fight. In fact, the veteran's attitude irritated the former lightweight champion and was not well received by the public. In his defense, Renato explained that he wouldn't be able to perform well and pointed out that his priority is content creation, which would consume the time needed for preparation.
“I’ve been doing six-hour live streams. If I stop working, the algorithm and the numbers will plummet,” the fighter said on his podcast 'Show Me The Money'.
Since Moicano decided to prioritize his channel and started refusing fights, many now classify him more as a YouTuber than a fighter. And it's not just the fans who are worried about the Brazilian. Marcos Parrumpinha, the veteran's coach, asked him to focus entirely on his preparation for a comeback and, jokingly, forbade him from spending too much time on the internet. Gilbert Durinho He fears his friend is burned out with the UFC. In turn, Duncan himself found his opponent's choice strange.
It is quite true that, despite the two consecutive defeats to Islam makhachev, in January 2025, and Beneil DariushIn June, Moicano remained in the elite lightweight division, ranked tenth. However, as the Brazilian's focus shifted to growing his YouTube presence, many fighters aiming for a spot in the top 15 began to see him as an ideal opponent. Aware that he needs to recover, the veteran admitted to feeling the pressure, but assured that he has prepared adequately and will find his way back to victory. The only certainty is that the duel against the surging Duncan is dramatic and crucial for 'Money's' future in MMA.
Full fight card for UFC Vegas 115
MAIN CARD (21pm Brasília time)
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Renato Moicano x Chris Duncan
Straw weight (up to 52,2 kg): Virna jandiroba x Tabatha Ricci
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev x Brendson Ribeiro
Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Ethyn Ewing x Rafael Estevam
Featherweight (up to 65,8 kg): Tommy McMillen vs. Manolo Zecchini
Featherweight (up to 65,8 kg): José Delano Robert Ruchala
PRELIMINARY CARD (18pm Brasília time)
Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Guilherme Pat x Thomas Petersen
Flyweight (up to 57 kg): Alexander Costa x Stewart Nicoll
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Lando vannata x Darrius Flowers
Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Alice Pereira x Hailey Cowan
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Azamat Bekoev x tresean gore
Flyweight (up to 57 kg): Dione Barbosa x Melissa Gatto
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Kai Kamaka III Dakota Hope
Read More about: Mohican, Mohawk vs Duncan, Mohawk vs. Duncan, Renato Moicano, Renato Moicano vs Chris Duncan, Renato Moicano vs. Chris Duncan, UFC, ufc vegas 115
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