September 24, 2024 2:45 pm ET
Renato Moicano sees some marquee light-weight battles in the offing if he makes it through Benoit Saint Denis in Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 243 centerpiece.
Moicano (19-6-1 MMA, 11-5 UFC) will step onto the headlining phase for the 2nd time in his UFC period Saturday when he handles France’s own Benoit Saint Denis (13-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC) at Accor Arena in Paris (ESPN+).
The Brazilian has actually won 5 of his previous 6 battles going into the face-off with Saint Denis, and he anticipates the upward trajectory to just continue if his hand is raised.
“If I beat Benoit Saint Denis, I remain in a great position,” Moicano informed MMA Junkie on Tuesday. “I get these centerpieces. I get the appeal of the audience. And if he beats me, it’s going to benefit him, too, due to the fact that I am a veteran. UFC constantly take advantage of whatever, so I do not truly care. I’m concentrated on myself, my training school and on the battle week and to provide the very best efficiency.”
If Moicano has the ability to go into opponent area this weekend and do the job, he stated 2 names are regularly being tossed his method– which’s Paddy Pimblett and Dan Hooker.
Pimblett, who is coming off an advancement submission win over Bobby Green at UFC 304 in July, consistently has actually mentioned he desires Moicano next, despite whether he wins or loses versus Saint Denis.
Hooker, on the other hand, got a huge victory of his own at UFC 305 in August when he edged Mateusz Gamrot by split choice. “The Hangman” has actually revealed his desire to eliminate up in the 155-pound rankings, however Moicano has an eye on Hooker, too.
(Pimblett is a) more difficult (battle) than Dan Hooker, sibling,” Moicano stated. “I believe so. His last battle, he did terrific versus Bobby Green. What can I state? He did great. Bobby Green is a difficult fighter. Bobby Green is really tough to complete. Although Bobby Green is more of a fighter, he has an excellent protective grappling. The shift was great. The shift for the guillotine to the triangle then completing him, it was a piece de resistance.
(Hooker is) above me in the rankings, and I state to you I like simple battles. Who understands.”
Before any other battles can end up being genuine, Moicano stated it’s crucial his focus remains on the job at hand with Saint Denis. The set had their very first battle week staredown on Tuesday in front of the host location, and it was a considerate scene. Moicano stated that was deliberate and stated his energy will alter as the time to action in the octagon techniques.
“Money Moicano” and the “God of War” sized each other up for the very first time today. #UFCParis pic.twitter.com/rUt5RuSjYt
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) September 24, 2024
“I didn’t take excessive away,” Moicano stated.