Renato Moicano was a standout at last weekend’s UFC Paris event. Being an underdog, he won dominantly Benoit Saint-Denis and gave a speech calling for fights he considers “easy money”, as well as criticising the French president, Emmanuel Macron. Always active on social media, the Brazilian reacted this Tuesday upon seeing that he hadn’t moved up in the UFC rankings.
“That’s the first time I’ve seen somebody destroy their opponent and not move up in the rankings… I guess MMA journalists love Macron too.”
Ranked 11th, Renato expected to be ranked 6th, even after beating a lower-ranked opponent, who was in 12th place. On his X account, the lightweight fighter explained his expectations.
“I should be ranked No. 6 in the lightweight division. Why? In the last eight months, I’ve fought three times, and I’m on a six-fight win streak in the lightweight division, with five stoppages. Yet, ranked above me is #10 Max Holloway, a legend, but he’s at 145 and will be facing Topuria for the featherweight belt at UFC 308. Number 9 Rafael Fiziev is coming off two losses to Mateusz Gamrot and Justin Gaethje. Number 8, Mateusz Gamrot, is coming off a loss to Dan Hooker in August 2024. Number 7, Beneil Dariush is coming off two losses to Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan. There’s no way I shouldn’t be No. 6 in the lightweight division right now.”
To move up the rankings, Moicano should call out someone ranked above him to climb positions. He did ask for Dan Hooker, who’s ranked 5th, but seems more inclined to face Paddy Pimblett, who’s ranked 15th.
“Hooker and Pimblett are easy money. But I’d like to do The Ultimate Fighter with Pimblett. I need cameras, I need more recognition. I’d like to face Conor McGregor to get the spotlight, but I don’t think he’s coming back to fight. That’s why I think Paddy could fit”, said in the press conference.
