Renato Moicano
Brazil
Drops decision to Beneil Dariush
Moicano lost to Beneil Dariush via unanimous decision (28-29, 28-29, 28-29) at UFC 317 on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
Moicano wasn't the least bit competitive in a late-notice 155-pound championship fight against Islam Makhachev in January. That's fine. But this bout, which went off as about a pick 'em, felt like one he had to have, and he didn't show much. Moicano was responsible for the biggest singular moment of the fight with a late Round 1 knockdown, but other than that, he struggled. He ate far too many low kicks, and Dariush dominated virtually all the grappling exchanges between the two. Toss in some questionable fight IQ and bad cardio, and you're looking at a second straight defeat. Already 36 years old, Moicano's four-fight winning streak from November 2022 to September 2024 feels like his high point with the company.
Moicano wasn't the least bit competitive in a late-notice 155-pound championship fight against Islam Makhachev in January. That's fine. But this bout, which went off as about a pick 'em, felt like one he had to have, and he didn't show much. Moicano was responsible for the biggest singular moment of the fight with a late Round 1 knockdown, but other than that, he struggled. He ate far too many low kicks, and Dariush dominated virtually all the grappling exchanges between the two. Toss in some questionable fight IQ and bad cardio, and you're looking at a second straight defeat. Already 36 years old, Moicano's four-fight winning streak from November 2022 to September 2024 feels like his high point with the company.
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Will face Dariush
Moicano will fight Beneil Dariush at UFC 317 on June 28 in a lightweight bout, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Moicano was expected to face Dariush at UFC 311 in January, but the Brazilian filled in for Arman Tsarukyan in the main card of that event against Islam Makhachev. This fight was bound to be rescheduled, and now fans will get their wish granted for UFC 317. Moicano was dominated easily by Makhachev in his last fight, but he'll aim to bounce back here since Dariush has lost his previous two bouts.
Moicano was expected to face Dariush at UFC 311 in January, but the Brazilian filled in for Arman Tsarukyan in the main card of that event against Islam Makhachev. This fight was bound to be rescheduled, and now fans will get their wish granted for UFC 317. Moicano was dominated easily by Makhachev in his last fight, but he'll aim to bounce back here since Dariush has lost his previous two bouts.
Quickly taps in championship fight
Moicano was unable to capture the UFC Lightweight Championship on Saturday, falling to Islam Makhachev via submission (D'arce choke) at 4:05 of Round 1 at UFC 311 in Los Angeles.
ANALYSIS
Originally scheduled to face Beneil Dariush this evening, Moicano agreed to step in to this title fight on Friday after Arman Tsarukyan was forced to withdraw due to a back issue. It was a no-brainer decision, but a near-impossible spot, and it ended up playing out like everyone expected. Moicano was competitive on the feet early on before giving up an easy takedown and quickly getting choked out. The Brazilian is a legitimate top-10 fighter in a loaded lightweight division, but not on the same level as the best 155 pounds has to offer. It's highly unlikely the 35-year-old fights for UFC gold at any other point in his career.
Originally scheduled to face Beneil Dariush this evening, Moicano agreed to step in to this title fight on Friday after Arman Tsarukyan was forced to withdraw due to a back issue. It was a no-brainer decision, but a near-impossible spot, and it ended up playing out like everyone expected. Moicano was competitive on the feet early on before giving up an easy takedown and quickly getting choked out. The Brazilian is a legitimate top-10 fighter in a loaded lightweight division, but not on the same level as the best 155 pounds has to offer. It's highly unlikely the 35-year-old fights for UFC gold at any other point in his career.
Gets title shot
Moicano will face off against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 this Saturday, UFC President Dana White announced Friday afternoon.
ANALYSIS
Moicano will fill in for an injured Arman Tsarukyan (back) and take on Islam Makhachev for a shot at the UFC Lightweight Title. The 35-year-old Brazilian, who has won his last four-consecutive fights, has left Beneil Dariush without an opponent for the time being.
Moicano will fill in for an injured Arman Tsarukyan (back) and take on Islam Makhachev for a shot at the UFC Lightweight Title. The 35-year-old Brazilian, who has won his last four-consecutive fights, has left Beneil Dariush without an opponent for the time being.
Scheduled against Dariush
Moicano will fight Beneil Dariush at UFC 311 on Jan. 18, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Momentum will certainly be on Moicano's side in January, as he took down Benoit Saint-Denis in September to extend his winning streak to four fights. Meanwhile, Dariush hasn't fought since last December and hasn't come away with a victory since October 2022.
Momentum will certainly be on Moicano's side in January, as he took down Benoit Saint-Denis in September to extend his winning streak to four fights. Meanwhile, Dariush hasn't fought since last December and hasn't come away with a victory since October 2022.
Shines in Paris main event
Moicano defeated Benoit Saint-Denis via TKO (doctor stoppage) at 5:00 of Round 2 at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Paris.
ANALYSIS
With all due respect to Jalin Turner, Drew Dober, and Brad Riddell, this type of dominant performance against a high-end opponent in a hostile environment is going to be the one to put Moicano firmly on the map as a contender at 155 pounds. Renato bullied Saint-Denis to the mat moments after the opening bell rang and spent the entirety of Round 1 pounding his opponent. Moicano seemed to take Round 2 off, perhaps recognizing Saint-Denis was in dire peril and not wanting to make a mistake. Sure enough, the doctor checked out BSD's wounds after the frame ended and pulled the plug. It was a vicious and efficient beating on all fronts. Perhaps best of all, Moicano took nearly zero damage in return. He should be ready to return in short order as the Brazilian continues his push up the lightweight rankings.
With all due respect to Jalin Turner, Drew Dober, and Brad Riddell, this type of dominant performance against a high-end opponent in a hostile environment is going to be the one to put Moicano firmly on the map as a contender at 155 pounds. Renato bullied Saint-Denis to the mat moments after the opening bell rang and spent the entirety of Round 1 pounding his opponent. Moicano seemed to take Round 2 off, perhaps recognizing Saint-Denis was in dire peril and not wanting to make a mistake. Sure enough, the doctor checked out BSD's wounds after the frame ended and pulled the plug. It was a vicious and efficient beating on all fronts. Perhaps best of all, Moicano took nearly zero damage in return. He should be ready to return in short order as the Brazilian continues his push up the lightweight rankings.