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 towards Arman Tsarukyan.
However the 35-year-old Brazilian admits staying busy is in the end what issues most, and he understands that the UFC could produce other plans in retailer for the winner of the 155-pound title battle. That’s why Moicano is retaining his choices open and a suggestion about probably 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 performed at 145,” Moicano instructed MMA Preventing when requested about that potential battle. “If he actually desires to be a 155’er, I believe that will be an superior battle, particularly as a result of that’s going to place me on [track for a title shot].
“100% should you beat Max Holloway, you’re preventing for the title. It’s a battle that I might be keen to take 100%.”
Holloway claimed the “BMF” title with MMA Preventing’s 2024 Knockout of the 12 months 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 quick 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 planet with the added bonus that he’s nonetheless clutching that “BMF” title as effectively.
It wasn’t a battle he was essentially fascinated with however Moicano confesses a matchup towards Holloway would make numerous sense after UFC 311.
“That’s a superb callout,” Moicano stated. “Perhaps you gave me some concepts for after the win.”
Whereas Holloway could be probably the most intriguing risk exterior of a title shot, Moicano hardly ever avoids questions on probably dealing with Paddy Pimblett after they’ve repeatedly engaged in a confrontation by means of interviews and over social media.
Moicano referred to as for the battle prior to now and Pimblett has performed the identical in return however the UFC hasn’t truly booked the matchup.
Assuming all goes effectively towards 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 will matter to followers.
“I’ll do what the UFC desires,” Moicano stated. “If the UFC desires me to interrupt his face, it’s going to be straightforward cash. If not, I’ll transfer on and battle anyone 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 greater. A reputation, a persona, name it no matter you name it so after I’m performed, I can capitalize on that. Prefer it or not, Paddy has an enormous viewers, he has an enormous identify. That will be superb for my profession so I might by no means say no.”
In fact if given an choice, Moicano acknowledges that Holloway is the larger but additionally a lot more durable battle than dealing with 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 ultimately simply takes out Pimblett and makes him much less related anyway.
“I believe Paddy is preventing 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, individuals was hyping him lots after which two losses, he’s form of performed. Folks suppose he’s going to lose to Paddy. I don’t suppose [that] but it surely’s simply how MMA is. It’s simply the way it works. It’s all in regards to the hype.”
