45 Facts About Renato Moicano

Early Life and Training

Renato Moicano's journey into the world of mixed martial arts began at a young age. His early experiences shaped his career and set the foundation for his future success.

1. Moicano started training in judo at the age of eight.
2. His family was well-off, allowing him to pursue various interests, including martial arts.
3. Initially, Moicano attended university with the intention of becoming a lawyer.
4. He dropped out after two years to focus on his mixed martial arts career.

Professional MMA Career

Moicano's professional career took off in 2010, quickly making a name for himself in Brazil before transitioning to the UFC.

5. Moicano began his professional MMA career in 2010.
6. He quickly made a name for himself in Brazil, competing in various regional promotions.
7. Moicano won the interim Jungle Fight Featherweight Championship via rear naked choke submission in the first round against Ismael Bonfim.
8. He signed with the UFC in 2014 and made his debut on short notice against Tom Niinimäki at UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Dollaway.
9. Moicano won his UFC debut via rear naked choke submission in the second round.

Challenges and Transitions

Throughout his career, Moicano faced several challenges, including injuries and weight class changes, but he continued to persevere.

10. Moicano has faced several injuries throughout his career, forcing him to pull out of fights at the last minute.
11. He was pulled from a fight against Mirsad Bektic at UFC Fight Night: Condit vs. Alves due to injury.
12. Moicano transitioned to the lightweight division in 2020, where he found significant success.
13. He is currently ranked #11 in the UFC lightweight rankings.

Notable Fights and Achievements

Moicano's career is marked by several notable fights and achievements, showcasing his skill and resilience in the octagon.

14. Moicano received Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night awards for his performances in the UFC.
15. His fight against Brian Ortega at UFC 214 earned him a Fight of the Night bonus.
16. Moicano's victory over Cub Swanson at UFC 227 earned him a Performance of the Night award.
17. Despite his impressive performance, Moicano lost to Brian Ortega via guillotine choke submission in the third round at UFC 214.
18. After the loss to Ortega, Moicano moved to the United States to train at American Top Team.
19. Moicano faced Calvin Kattar at UFC 223 and won via unanimous decision.
20. He defeated Cub Swanson via rear naked choke submission at UFC 227.
21. Moicano faced José Aldo in the co-main event at UFC Fight Night 144 but lost via TKO in the second round.
22. He faced Chan Sung Jung in the main event at UFC on ESPN+ 12 but lost via TKO in the first round.
23. Moicano faced Alexander Hernandez at UFC 271 and won via unanimous decision.

Grappling and Personal Life

Beyond MMA, Moicano has also competed in professional grappling events and maintains a strong connection with his family.

24. Moicano has competed in professional grappling events, defeating Chase Hooper via unanimous decision at Fury Pro Grappling 3 on December 30, 2021.
25. Moicano is married and has a son born in 2020.
26. His family provides him with the support he needs to continue his career.

Championships and Achievements

Moicano's career is decorated with several milestones and achievements, reflecting his dedication and skill in the sport.

27. Moicano is tied for third most rear-naked submissions in UFC history (6).
28. He received the Best On-The-Mic moment of the Year award at UFC 281.
29. Moicano stands at 5'11" (180 cm) and weighs 155 lbs (70.31 kgs).
30. He is from Brazil and has a strong connection to his home country.
31. Moicano is affiliated with American Top Team, a well-known MMA gym.
32. He fights with an orthodox stance and has a reach of 72 inches (183 cm).
33. As of August 20, 2024, Moicano has a professional MMA record of 19 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw.

Recent and Upcoming Fights

Moicano continues to compete at a high level, with recent victories and upcoming fights that keep fans excited.

34. In his recent fights, Moicano has shown significant improvement, winning against notable opponents like Jalin Turner and Drew Dober.
35. Moicano is set to face Benoit Saint Denis in the main event of UFC Fight Night 243 in Paris.
36. Moicano's approach to fights is characterized by a devil-may-care attitude and a lack of fear of defeat.
37. Despite being ranked #11 in the UFC lightweight rankings, Moicano has gained significant popularity among fans.
38. Moicano has mentioned that if he beats Benoit Saint Denis, he expects to be considered for marquee fights against opponents like Paddy Pimblett and Dan Hooker.
39. Paddy Pimblett has expressed his desire to fight Moicano, regardless of the outcome of his fight against Benoit Saint Denis.
40. Dan Hooker has also expressed his interest in fighting Moicano.
41. The commentary team for UFC Fight Night 243 includes John Gooden leading the cageside call from Paris.
42. Fans are encouraged to make their predictions for the fight between Moicano and Saint Denis.
43. The event will be broadcast on ESPN+, providing fans with multiple ways to watch the fight.
44. Moicano’s stock has risen significantly since he moved up from featherweight to lightweight in 2020.
45. Moicano has won against a host of notable names, including Damir Hadzovic, Jai Herbert, Alexander Hernandez, Brad Riddell, Drew Dober, and Jalin Turner.

Renato Moicano: A Fighter's Journey

Renato Moicano's career in the UFC showcases his resilience, skill, and determination. From his early days training in judo to becoming a prominent figure in mixed martial arts, Moicano's journey is nothing short of inspiring. His victories over notable opponents like Calvin Kattar, Cub Swanson, and Alexander Hernandez highlight his prowess in the octagon. Despite setbacks, including losses to top fighters like Brian Ortega and José Aldo, Moicano's fearless approach and mindset have kept him moving forward. His transition to the lightweight division has proven successful, earning him a spot among the top contenders. With upcoming fights and potential marquee matchups on the horizon, Moicano's future in the UFC looks promising. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the world of MMA.