In an ideal world, Renato Moicano would beat Beneil Dariush at UFC 311 in January after which transfer onto face the winner of the primary occasion that very same night time when Islam Makhachev defends his light-weight title in opposition to Arman Tsarukyan.
However the 35-year-old Brazilian admits staying busy is in the end what issues most, and he understands that the UFC might produce other plans in retailer for the winner of the 155-pound title combat. That’s why Moicano is preserving his choices open and a suggestion about doubtlessly dealing with Max Holloway in his return to the light-weight division instantly piqued his curiosity.
“I might love to do this, particularly Max Holloway now says he’s accomplished at 145,” Moicano advised MMA Combating when requested about that potential combat. “If he actually needs to be a 155’er, I believe that may be an superior combat, particularly as a result of that’s going to place me on [track for a title shot].
“one hundred pc in the event you beat Max Holloway, you’re combating for the title. It’s a combat that I might be prepared to take one hundred pc.”
Holloway claimed the “BMF” title with MMA Combating’s 2024 Knockout of the Yr when he flattened Justin Gaethje with only one second remaining after they clashed again at UFC 300 in April. Following that jaw-dropping victory, Holloway returned to featherweight in October however got here up brief in his bid to reclaim the belt after falling by knockout to Ilia Topuria.
Within the aftermath of that loss, Holloway revealed plans for a everlasting transfer to light-weight the place he’s already ranked among the many greatest on this planet with the added bonus that he’s nonetheless clutching that “BMF” title as nicely.
It wasn’t a combat he was essentially serious about however Moicano confesses a matchup in opposition to Holloway would make lots of sense after UFC 311.
“That’s callout,” Moicano stated. “Possibly you gave me some concepts for after the win.”
Whereas Holloway may be probably the most intriguing chance exterior of a title shot, Moicano hardly ever avoids questions on doubtlessly dealing with Paddy Pimblett after they’ve repeatedly engaged in a disagreement by interviews and over social media.
Moicano known as for the combat up to now and Pimblett has accomplished the identical in return however the UFC hasn’t really booked the matchup.
Assuming all goes nicely in opposition to a longtime veteran like Dariush in January, Moicano would transfer that a lot nearer to a shot at UFC gold and by all accounts which may simply put Pimblett in his rearview mirror
No matter win streaks or rankings, Moicano nonetheless wouldn’t scoff at an opportunity to face Pimblett as a result of it’s a combat that may matter to followers.
“I’ll do what the UFC needs,” Moicano stated. “If the UFC needs me to interrupt his face, it’s going to be straightforward cash. If not, I’ll transfer on and combat any individual else within the high 5 or for the title.
“Like I stated, the title is nice, however I need to construct a model. I need to construct one thing larger. A reputation, a persona, name it no matter you name it so after I’m accomplished, I can capitalize on that. Prefer it or not, Paddy has an enormous viewers, he has an enormous title. That will be superb for my profession so I might by no means say no.”
In fact if given an possibility, Moicano acknowledges that Holloway is the larger but in addition a lot harder combat than dealing with any individual like Pimblett.
He’s by no means going to show down an opponent however he additionally is aware of the clock might be ticking till any individual finally simply takes out Pimblett and makes him much less related anyway.
“I believe Paddy is combating Benoit Saint Denis, that’s what I heard, and I believe Benoit Saint Denis will beat his ass,” Moicano stated. “Then the hype is gone. That’s what I really feel.
“Benoit Saint Denis, folks was hyping him so much after which two losses, he’s type of accomplished. Individuals assume he’s going to lose to Paddy. I don’t assume [that] but it surely’s simply how MMA is. It’s simply the way it works. It’s all concerning the hype.”
