Unless your name is Conor McGregor or Max Holloway, everyone plays second fiddle to the former, longtime Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Featherweight champion, Jose Aldo.
Despite wrecking shop for the better part of his UFC career, Renato Moicano doesn’t exactly resonate with the masses when it comes to getting top billing or spotlight exposure. But as he gets prepared to face Aldo at UFC on ESPN+ 2 on February 2, 2019 in Fortaleza, Brazil, Moicano is preparing for the spoils that come with taking out a well-known name in the game.
And he is adamant everyone will know him after what he does to his fellow countryman.
“Jose Aldo is a true legend, he is a warrior,” Moicano said to BJPENN.com. “He has been in many, many wars in the UFC and beat the best guys in the featherweight division. So, to me, this fight means everything. After I get this win against him, for sure people will know me better. People will know me. This fight, I just have to win this fight. It’s a fight, and I only win.”
Originally planned to be the headlining bout, it was later revealed it would co-headline, with the rematch between Raphael Assuncao and Marlon Moraes getting top billing. Naturally, Renato was disappointed he didn’t get his first-ever main event.
“In the beginning, I thought this would be the main event. I heard Aldo saying he wants a three-round fight. For me, that is not a problem, three-rounds is good, too. But, I would prefer to be the main event.”
With a victory over “Junior,” Moicano gets his third straight win and moves to 5-1 overall inside the Octagon with his lone loss coming to former title contender, Brian Ortega. Renato feels that should be good enough to warrant him a shot at “Blessed’s” 145-pound strap.
“For sure. It depends on what Max Holloway will do if he goes to lightweight to fight someone up there,” he said. “If he stays at 145, then for sure I will fight for the title against Max after this fight,” he added. “This is my time. This is my chance to prove I’m a real contender. After this fight, I’m coming for the belt,” he concluded.
Currently ranked at No. 5, Moicano will definitely have a case to be made for a shot at the title with a win over the former champion. That said, Frankie Edgar has also been pining for another chance at winning the 145-pound title.
And since we’re on the subject of name value, it’s safe to assume “The Answer” has a leg-up on Renato in that department. So when it comes time to award the next title shot, Renato getting a highly-convincing win over Jose will go a long way in helping him close the gap with Edgar.