Top Lightweight Calls Out UFC Rankings Panel ‘Bulls***’ After Renato Moicano Victory

Top Lightweight Calls Out UFC Rankings Panel 'Bulls***' After Renato Moicano VictoryRenato Moicano is pissed and he’s letting the UFC’s rankings panel know it. Last weekend, ‘Money’ walked into UFC…

Top Lightweight Calls Out UFC Rankings Panel 'Bulls***' After Renato Moicano Victory

Renato Moicano is pissed and he’s letting the UFC’s rankings panel know it.

Last weekend, ‘Money’ walked into UFC Paris as the No. 11 ranked lightweight in the world. After delivering an absolutely dominant performance against Benoit Saint-Denis in enemy territory and forcing a doctor’s stoppage following the second round, Moicano still finds himself stuck outside of the division’s top 10 rankings.

Renato Moicano

With no 50k bonus for his performance and no move up the rankings, the Brazilian is feeling understandably cheated and decided to vent his frustration via a series of posts on X explaining why he deserves a spot far closer to the top five than where he appears to be stuck at.

Renato Moicano
Renato Moicano
Renato Moicano

“If UFC Rankings Aren’t Total Bullsh*t, I Should Be Ranked #6 in the Lightweight Division Tomorrow,” Moicano wrote. “Why? In the last 8 months, I’ve fought 3 times and I’m on a 6-fight win streak in the lightweight division, with 5 stoppages.

Yet, ranked above me are:

#10 Max Holloway: A legend, but he’s a 145 and will be facing Topuria for the featherweight belt at UFC 308. Even if he loses, his spot in the lightweight rankings makes no sense. He just beat Gaethje, so if anything, he should be ranked #3. I’d gladly take #7 if that was case.

#9 Rafael Fiziev: Coming off 2 losses to Mateusz Gamrot and Justin Gaethje. His last fight was in September 2023. #8 Mateusz Gamrot: Coming off a loss to Dan Hooker in August 2024. #7 Beneil Dariush: Coming off 2 losses to Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan. His last fight was in December 2023.

#7 Beneil Dariush: Coming off 2 losses to Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan. His last fight was in December 2023. #6 Michael Chandler: If anyone doesn’t deserve this spot, it’s Michael Chandler. He’s 2-3 in the UFC, coming off a loss to Dustin Poirier in November 2022. Since then, he’s been sitting out, waiting for Conor McGregor’s return, and only now decided to fight Charles Oliveira.

“There’s no way I’m not #6 in the lightweight division right now.”

Renato Moicano eyes clash with UFC’s fifth-ranked lightweight, Dan Hooker

If Moicano is trying to find the fastest way to a top-five ranking, Dan Hooker is probably his best option. Following a couple of big wins over Jalin Turn and Mateusz Gamrot, ‘The Hangman’ finds himself as the fifth-ranked contender in the division and a prime target for anyone looking to break in.

Moicano and Hooker have already agreed to a scrap after exchanging some unpleasantries on social media. Now it’s just a matter of drawing up the contracts.

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Renato Moicano and Dan Hooker Agree to Matchup in “Easy Money” Showdown

Renato Moicano and Dan Hooker Agree to Matchup in "Easy Money" ShowdownRenato Moicano and Dan Hooker have agreed to an “easy money” matchup against one another. Last weekend, Moicano earned…

Renato Moicano and Dan Hooker Agree to Matchup in "Easy Money" Showdown

Renato Moicano and Dan Hooker have agreed to an “easy money” matchup against one another.

Last weekend, Moicano earned a big win over Benoit Saint-Denis in the UFC Paris headliner, pummeling the ‘God of War’ in the opening round so badly that the cageside physician was forced to step in and suggest the bout be stopped immediately following the second stanza. It was a big moment for ‘Money Moicano.’

And then he got his paycheck.

With the event taking place in France, Moicano was subject to a significantly higher tax rate than what he would have been hit with competing stateside. After expressing his frustration over the taxation, Dan Hooker chimed in and suggested that Moicano used a similar excuse for ducking a fight against him in Perth, Australia.

Renato Moicano

Moicano denied that he was ever offered the fight, but suggested the two lightweight contenders can settle things in Las Vegas later this year. It didn’t take long for ‘The Hangman’ to accept.

Renato Moicano
Renato Moicano
Renato Moicano

Renato Moicano frustrated by UFC ranking following dominant win in paris

After dropping four out of five between 2020 and 2022, Dan Hooker has seen somewhat of a career resurgence inside the Octagon. ‘The Hangman’ has won three straight fights, including a pair of big decision victories over Jalin Turner and Mateusz Gamrot. As a result, Hooker is now sitting as the No. 5 ranked contender in the lightweight division and could be one big win away from a shot at the division’s top dog, Islam Makhachev.

Meanwhile, Renato Moicano has won four in a row. Before stepping into the UFC Paris main event, ‘Money’ was just outside the lightweight top 10 at No. 11. Despite his dominant performance in The City of Light, Moicano is still ranked at 11 — something he was understandably frustrated by.

Renato Moicano

“That’s the first time I see somebody destroy their opponent and don’t get up on the rankings… I guess MMA journalists love macron too,” Moicano wrote on X.

Renato Moicano Placed In Same Conversation As McGregor, Adesanya & O’Malley: ‘He’s Doing That Good Of A Job…’

At 35-years old, Renato Moicano is on the best run of his career and really seems to have hit his stride in the lightweight division. The Brazilian has been a member of the UFC roster since 2014 and has stepped foot inside the Octagon 17 times, but it’s really in the last couple years that […]

Continue Reading Renato Moicano Placed In Same Conversation As McGregor, Adesanya & O’Malley: ‘He’s Doing That Good Of A Job…’ at MMA News.

At 35-years old, Renato Moicano is on the best run of his career and really seems to have hit his stride in the lightweight division.

The Brazilian has been a member of the UFC roster since 2014 and has stepped foot inside the Octagon 17 times, but it’s really in the last couple years that he has emerged as a major player.

His latest appearance this past weekend saw him compete in his first main event where he delivered his most impressive display to date, stopping Benoît Saint-Denis in Paris before the third round could get underway.

As he looks to secure a huge fight next time out, Moicano’s stock is only continuing to climb but the question is how much further can it go?

Chael Sonnen Says Renato Moicano Is Capturing The Attention Of The Fans Like A Superstar Does

Moicano’s profile has also increased because alongside this current run of form, his personality has really started to come across on the mic.

Whether it’s in post-fight interviews or his YouTube content, the “Money” Moicano persona is that larger-than-life personality that is going to turn heads.

Of course, none of that matters if you aren’t backing it up inside the cage and he’s covering that base very effectively.

During a recent episode of the Good Guy / Bad Guy show on ESPN MMA, Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen reviewed all the action from Paris.

Sonnen, who was extremely impressed by Moicano and knows a thing or two about getting over on the mic, said that the Brazilian is capturing that star quality which is a rare occurrence in MMA.

“Moicano is just covering all aspects of this sport. You generally can only monetize one thing. Your only commodity that you offer the sport is your performance but there is other opportunities if you can find them and that’s where Moicano, “Suga” Sean, Izzy Adesanya, for example, these guys have found another way. Conor McGregor. That’s a very elite company and to put Moicano’s name in the same conversation as Izzy and Conor and Sean, Daniel, I’m not out of bounds here, he’s doing that good of a job.”

Read also: Renato Moicano Plans To Prove He’s The Best UFC Lightweight: ‘Even If Khabib Comes Back…’ 

Continue Reading Renato Moicano Placed In Same Conversation As McGregor, Adesanya & O’Malley: ‘He’s Doing That Good Of A Job…’ at MMA News.

Renato Moicano Plans To Prove He’s The Best UFC Lightweight: ‘Even If Khabib Comes Back…’ 

UFC lightweight contender Renato Moicano wants to make his case to be the best fighter at 155 pounds undeniable. Moicano advanced his ambitions on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage with a strong performance in Paris, France this past weekend, where he headlined in enemy territory opposite Benoît Saint Denis. The Brazilian got out the blocks […]

Continue Reading Renato Moicano Plans To Prove He’s The Best UFC Lightweight: ‘Even If Khabib Comes Back…’  at MMA News.

UFC lightweight contender Renato Moicano wants to make his case to be the best fighter at 155 pounds undeniable.

Moicano advanced his ambitions on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage with a strong performance in Paris, France this past weekend, where he headlined in enemy territory opposite Benoît Saint Denis.

The Brazilian got out the blocks fast, taking “God of War” down and inflicting a brutal beatdown on the Frenchman. While Saint Denis was able to enjoy a better second frame, the damage he sustained in round one was ultimately too much and led to the doctor’s stoppage.

That result marked the latest triumph in a strong year for Moicano, who has defeated Drew Dober, Jalin Turner, and now Saint Denis since returning from injury.

And with a title to win and a new house to pay for, the 35-year-old says not even a comeback from the division’s greatest could stall his surge…

Moicano ‘Coming For The Gold’ After UFC Paris

While appearing on ESPN MMA’s UFC Fight Night Post Show in Paris, Moicano reflected on his victory inside the Accor Arena and looked ahead to what could lie ahead of him at 155 pounds.

The confident Brazilian reiterated his belief that his recent improvements have given him superiority over the entire division. And with his motivations branching beyond just a planned championship crowning, Moicano says he can’t be stopped.

“I was expecting a complete beatdown like I did. … I don’t want to sound too cocky. But I have been training for that,” Moicano said. “You guys, be ready. ‘Money’ Moicano is coming for the gold. … Right now, I am the best 155er in the division. I just have to prove it.

“I cannot afford to lose. I have a house to pay. … I want to see my kid grow in a great backyard with a pool,” Moicano continued. “Until the house is paid, until my debt is paid, I cannot afford to lose. It doesn’t matter even if Khabib will come back. I will beat Khabib.”

It remains to be seen what will come next for Moicano, who hasn’t been rewarded with the kind of rank rise he expected as a result of his recent win.

Despite remaining at #11 in the pecking order, though, the Brazilian believes he’s done enough to earn a potential title eliminator when he returns to action.

Continue Reading Renato Moicano Plans To Prove He’s The Best UFC Lightweight: ‘Even If Khabib Comes Back…’  at MMA News.

Renato Moicano Warns UFC Star Paddy Pimblett: ‘Please Don’t Accept the Fight, I’m Going to Hurt You’

Renato Moicano Warns UFC Star Paddy Pimblett: ‘Please Don’t Accept the Fight, I’m Going to Hurt You’Renato Moicano says that ‘The Baddy’ Paddy Pimblett better not accept a fight against him. Coming off of a…

Renato Moicano Warns UFC Star Paddy Pimblett: ‘Please Don’t Accept the Fight, I’m Going to Hurt You’

Renato Moicano says that ‘The Baddy’ Paddy Pimblett better not accept a fight against him. Coming off of a TKO victory this past weekend at UFC Paris, ‘Money’ Moicano is warning the UK-born fighter.

Renato Moicano Warns Paddy Pimblett

After his impressive win against Benoit Saint-Denis, the Brazilian-born Moicano has now put together four consecutive wins in the UFC’s competitive lightweight division. People are discussing a potential showdown against the popular Paddy Pimblett. The UK-born fighter even agreed to the bout on Instagram.

Ex-Watford keeper reveals why Paddy Pimblett was kicked out of Liverpool match

On a potential matchup against ‘The Baddy’ Moicano told the English fighter to avoid the fight at all costs for his own safety. During the post-fight presser, the Brazilian athlete said:

“Please don’t accept the fight. I’m going to hurt you. I’m going to elbow your skull.

“Right now, I’m looking for exposure. I’m looking for cameras because I’ve been in the UFC for 10 years. This year will be 10 years. Three years ago, nobody knew me. Nobody knew me, and I always worked hard. I always have put in the work. But it doesn’t matter if you’re the best fighter in the world nobody knows. I want more cameras. I want more people talking about my name in MMA because that way I can bring more attention, and I can make my case to fight for the belt eventually.” [Ht MMAJunkie]

Paddy Pimblett

The English-born Paddy Pimblett is a crowd favorite and popular fighter in the UFC. He was a two-division champion in Cage Warriors before making his UFC debut and has since put together six wins in the UFC.

Most recently, he is coming off of a first-round submission win against Bobby Green which secured him an official spot in the top 15 at lightweight.

Paddy Pimblett

Renato Moicano

Brazil’s Renato Moicano has bounced around the UFC featherweight and lightweight divisions with impressive success. He is known for his aggressive style, always aiming for a finish whether it’s a knockout on the feet or a submission win, he is a hungry fighter who hunts for stoppage bonuses.

Renato Moicano
PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 28: (L-R) Renato Moicano of Brazil punches Benoit Saint Denis of France in a lightweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at The Accor Arena on September 28, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

Renato Moicano vs. Paddy Pimblett might be a UFC main event fight down the line.

Paddy Pimblett Gives 3-Word Reaction To Renato Moicano’s Callout At UFC Paris

It appears that the only light yet to be confirmed as green for a possible Renato Moicano vs. Paddy Pimblett lightweight clash is the UFC’s. Moicano made a statement in this past weekend’s UFC Fight Night main event, which saw him make the walk in enemy territory to face Benoît Saint Denis in his backyard […]

Continue Reading Paddy Pimblett Gives 3-Word Reaction To Renato Moicano’s Callout At UFC Paris at MMA News.

It appears that the only light yet to be confirmed as green for a possible Renato Moicano vs. Paddy Pimblett lightweight clash is the UFC’s.

Moicano made a statement in this past weekend’s UFC Fight Night main event, which saw him make the walk in enemy territory to face Benoît Saint Denis in his backyard of Paris, France.

While “God of War” was hoping to bounce back from his knockout loss to Dustin Poirier in front of his home fans, Moicano had other plans. The Brazilian landed a takedown early and proceeded to put a brutal beating on Saint Denis.

The Frenchman was left badly bleeding and swollen after just one round, and the damage ultimately led to the doctor calling off the fight before the start of the third frame.

Moicano was his usual charismatic and unpredictable self on the microphone post-fight. But an aspect that perhaps could have been foreseen was his callouts, one of which saw the continuation of his back and forth with a rising name…

Pimblett Gives Short & Sweet Response To Moicano

During Pimblett’s surge up the lightweight ladder, Moicano has frequently dismissed his credentials and vowed to blemish his UFC record should they be placed opposite one another inside the cage.

And with “The Baddy” now ranked following his submission of Bobby Green at UFC 304 in Manchester this past July, the fight certainly makes more sense than ever.

Moicano evidently thinks so, as he named Pimblett alongside Dan Hooker as his potential opponents following a destructive beatdown of Saint Denis in Paris.

The Liverpool native was quick to respond on social media, unsurprisingly welcoming the chance to quieten the Brazilian and forge a path into the top 10 at 155 pounds.

“Let’s do this,” Pimblett wrote.

Pimblett’s win over Green marked his sixth since signing with the UFC in 2021. The former Cage Warriors champion had previously gotten the better of notable names like Tony Ferguson and Jared Gordon.

Moicano, meanwhile, is now riding a four-fight winning run inside the Octagon. After a lengthy injury layoff followed a quick submission victory over Brad Riddell in late 2022, the Brazilian has returned this year in style by reeling off three triumphs over Drew Dober, Jalin Turner, and Saint Denis.

Continue Reading Paddy Pimblett Gives 3-Word Reaction To Renato Moicano’s Callout At UFC Paris at MMA News.