Renato Moicano has stepped up in a huge way and won over the UFC crowd on Friday night in advance to his first-ever lightweight title shot.
The veteran fighter will be taking on reigning UFC lightweight champion and pound-for-pound king, Islam Makhachev, in the main event at UFC 311 later tonight (Sat., Jan. 18, 2025) live on ESPN+ pay-per-view (PPV) from inside Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. Moicano was originally expected to fight Beneil Dariush on the PPV undercard, but after Arman Tsarukyan withdrew from the main event “Money” was asked to fill in.
Moicano, who has become a big fan favorite on the heels of a four-fight win streak, didn’t hesitate one bit before accepting a short-notice title fight against the consensus best fighter in the world. Instead, Moicano put his money where is mouth is, agreed to fight Makhachev on two days notice, and will try to pull off the impossible.
After all, Moicano will be a massive betting underdog entering Saturday’s title fight.
That said, “Money” will have the support of the L.A. crowd. At Thursday’s pre-fight press conference the Brazilian fighter doubled down on his “Money” nickname and decided to throw fake money with his face on it into the crowd. Moicano followed his efforts up at Friday’s ceremonial weigh ins, delivering a chilling message to fight fans after an intense staredown with Makhachev.
Check it out below:
Here is some of the money that Moicano threw out to the crowd at yesterday’s press conference.
I’m not sure if it is legal tender. Perhaps if he pulls off the upset tomorrow, it will be discussed. pic.twitter.com/19xHFbwnCx
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) January 18, 2025
? Renato Moicano: “I don’t give a f***. I cannot afford to f***ing lose. Doesn’t matter if it’s the champion or not. Tomorrow I’m winning.” #UFC311 #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/pcbEKweTJd
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 18, 2025
“I don’t give a f—k. I cannot afford to f—king lose,” said Moicano as the crowd cheered on. “Doesn’t matter if it’s the champion or not. Tomorrow I’m winning.”
What do you think, fight fans? Can Moicano pull off a huge upset at UFC 311 and end Makhachev’s 14-fight win streak?
Let us know!
MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 311 fight card RIGHT HERE, starting with the early Disney+/FX/ESPN+ preliminary card matches at 6 p.m. ET, followed by the remaining four-fight undercard balance on Disney+/ESPNN/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET, before the UFC 311 PPV main card start time at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV.
To check out the latest and greatest UFC 311: “Makhachev vs. Moicano” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here. For the updated and finalized UFC 311 fight card and PPV lineup click here.