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 finally what issues most, and he understands that the UFC might produce other plans in retailer for the winner of the 155-pound title battle. That’s why Moicano is protecting his choices open and a suggestion about probably going through Max Holloway in his return to the light-weight division instantly piqued his curiosity.
“I’d love to do this, particularly Max Holloway now says he’s achieved at 145,” Moicano informed MMA Preventing when requested about that potential battle. “If he actually needs to be a 155’er, I feel that may be an superior battle, 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 battle that I’d be prepared to take one hundred pc.”
Holloway claimed the “BMF” title with MMA Preventing’s 2024 Knockout of the Yr when he flattened Justin Gaethje with only one second remaining once 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 the earth with the added bonus that he’s nonetheless clutching that “BMF” title as nicely.
It wasn’t a battle he was essentially occupied with however Moicano confesses a matchup in opposition to Holloway would make a whole lot of sense after UFC 311.
“That’s a great callout,” Moicano stated. “Perhaps you gave me some concepts for after the win.”
Whereas Holloway is likely to be probably the most intriguing risk exterior of a title shot, Moicano not often avoids questions on probably going through Paddy Pimblett after they’ve repeatedly engaged in a disagreement via interviews and over social media.
Moicano known as for the battle up to now and Pimblett has achieved the identical in return however the UFC hasn’t truly 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 battle 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 simple cash. If not, I’ll transfer on and battle anyone else within the prime 5 or for the title.
“Like I stated, the title is sweet, however I wish to construct a model. I wish to construct one thing larger. A reputation, a persona, name it no matter you name it so after I’m achieved, I can capitalize on that. Prefer it or not, Paddy has an enormous viewers, he has an enormous identify. That might be superb for my profession so I’d by no means say no.”
After all if given an choice, Moicano acknowledges that Holloway is the larger but in addition a lot more durable battle than going through anyone 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 anyone finally simply takes out Pimblett and makes him much less related anyway.
“I feel Paddy is combating Benoit Saint Denis, that’s what I heard, and I feel Benoit Saint Denis will beat his ass,” Moicano stated. “Then the hype is gone. That’s what I really feel.
“Benoit Saint Denis, individuals was hyping him lots after which two losses, he’s sort of achieved. Individuals suppose he’s going to lose to Paddy. I don’t suppose [that] however it’s simply how MMA is. It’s simply the way it works. It’s all concerning the hype.”
