Renato Moicano wasn’t the contracted backup for the UFC 311 principal occasion however he was staying prepared for the chance to face Islam Makhachev simply in case that truly occurred.
Now he’s getting that chance to compete for the UFC light-weight title after Arman Tsarukyan was knocked out of the struggle with a again damage Moicano is now set to face Makhachev within the new UFC 311 principal occasion after he hit the size at 155 kilos on Friday, which permits him to compete for the championship after accepting the final minute provide to switch Tsarukyan.
Whereas he by no means misplaced concentrate on his initially scheduled struggle in opposition to Beneil Dariush, the 35-year-old Brazilian knew this was a risk as quickly as he acquired the provide to compete on the identical card because the light-weight title struggle.
“There was no dialog about [being the backup] however as soon as they provided me the cardboard and I knew the title struggle could be on the road, who is aware of proper? Who is aware of?” Moicano advised MMA Combating prior Friday’s surprising announcement.
“I used to be on the identical card when Max Holloway couldn’t make the burden and Al Iaquinta acquired his title shot [at UFC 223]. I don’t suppose he would ever get a title shot if it was not like that. For me, I might be prepared. If anyone can not make it to struggle day, I can. So I might be over there for certain.”
Moicano’s readiness paid off after his fellow American Prime Staff fighter fell out of the principle occasion on Friday previous to hitting the size to weigh in for the struggle in opposition to Makhachev.
Whereas taking a five-round title struggle on someday’s discover isn’t perfect, Moicano all the time knew there was an opportunity this might occur so he undoubtedly had that concept packed away behind his thoughts.
“I’m not getting more money [to serve as the backup],” Moicano stated. “It’s simply good for me to struggle on the identical night time because the title struggle due to course, I’ll get plenty of publicity and I can attempt to make my case to struggle for a title.”
Even previous to the gorgeous announcement, Moicano stated that he was most involved about staying lively within the division however his final purpose was all the time the title shot.
“At this level of my profession, I simply need to preserve being lively and preserve profitable,” Moicano stated. “Like I stated, I’ve six wins within the light-weight division. Everyone retains citing the Rafael dos Anjos struggle however that was at 160 [pounds]. That was not 155. So within the light-weight division I’ve six wins and 5 finishes.
“It’s only a matter of preserve profitable, preserve beating up folks and ultimately, I’ll struggle for the title.”
It’s secure to say, Moicano was greater than excited to get the decision after he was introduced as the brand new challenger to Makhachev’s title on Saturday.
“‘Cash’ Moicano’s coming for the belt,” Moicano stated. “Be prepared Islam Makhachev. Tomorrow is cash time. I’m so blissful that I acquired this chance. I’ve been working for this for a very long time. I knew that would occur. That’s why I used to be coaching 5 rounds, I used to be coaching with southpaws. I’m prepared and tomorrow, I’m going to shock the world. Be prepared as a result of I’m.
“Tomorrow, I might be champion of the world. Let’s f*cking go.”
