Conor McGregor Winning is What the UFC Needs Right Now, Says Renato Moicano

UFC lightweight contender Renato Moicano gives his two cents on what the UFC needs right now - Conor McGregor.

Conor McGregor Winning is What the UFC Needs Right Now, Says Renato Moicano

Renato Moicano and Conor McGregor [via MMA Fighting and WKYC]

In Short
  • Renato Moicano believes Conor McGregor's return could revitalize the UFC and the lightweight division.
  • Moicano emphasizes the importance of McGregor's promotional skills and entertaining trash talk for the sport's appeal.
  • He aims to expand his brand through social media and his YouTube channel after retiring from fighting.

Similar to a lot of fans, former lightweight title challenger Renato Moicano wants the old UFC back. But unlike them, ‘Money Moicano’ knows exactly what the UFC needs to return to its former glory — their biggest superstar. He recently revealed how Conor McGregor could reinvigorate the UFC on The Ariel Helwani Show.

Renato Moicano joined Ariel Helwani on his show following a decisive victory over Chris Duncan at the APEX this month. During his appearance, the Brazilian discussed everything from going off on MMA fans to his political and religious beliefs. Eventually, Moicano began explaining his version of the best possible ending to Conor McGregor‘s return fight.

Man, I love Max Holloway, but I pray to God for McGregor to beat him. He’s the best on the mic… I think that would be amazing for the UFC. I think that would be amazing for the lightweight division… I think that’s what UFC needs right now.

Renato Moicano about Conor McGregor’s return on the Ariel Helwani Show

It seems Moicano is leaning towards the Irishman in a potential rematch against Max Holloway. The Brazilian highlighted McGregor’s recent microphone work at BKFC events, stressing how important promotion like that is for the UFC. Moicano revealed that he wanted the UFC to return to the era of over-the-top trash-talks that Conor McGregor ushered in with his rise to superstardom.

The UFC has caught a lot of flak recently for it’s product deteriorating. Even Ariel Helwani criticized CEO Dana White for his lack of effort during fight promos. Moicano himself admitted to not being a fan of the UFC’s use of AI in their promotion. He labelled it “sloppy” and “brain-rotting.”

Moreover, the UFC does not have a star like Conor McGregor. The closest thing would be Moicano’s fellow Brazilian, Alex Pereira. However, he is nowhere close to the magnetic orator that McGregor showed himself to be.

As such, a win for the Irishman could be the best possible scenario for the UFC. However, getting one over Max Holloway coming off a lopsided defeat to Charles Oliveira, eager to bounce back? Now, that is an incredibly tough ask. Nonetheless, a rematch between the two would still be incredible, both in terms of skill in the octagon, as well as on the mic.

Moreover, Renato Moicano’s new-fangled attitude of promotion above all else might have something to do with his YouTube channel. After dipping into the world of social media early on in the pandemic, Moicano has much grander plans now.

Renato Moicano plans to “takeover” the internet

Renato Moicano can be described as something of a late bloomer. Despite being 36 years, his stock among UFC fans only rose a couple of years ago with the ‘Money Moicano’ gimmick. However, now that he has caught fire with it and the Renato Money Moicano YouTube channel, he plans to conquer the world.

Renato Moicano
Renato Moicano (via Bloody Elbow)

His channel is doing quite well with a lot of his recent videos hovering around 100,000-150,000 views. Even so, this is nothing compared to the lofty goals Moicano has set for himself. He revealed what the goal was in an interview with MMA Fighting.

Honestly, I want to be much bigger. After I retire, I want to take over this space. I want to build a brand and get sponsorships because that’s what really makes money, not just views. I have plans, and that’s why I went in this direction.  

Renato Moicano on the goals he has for his YouTube channel

Moicano has faced many elite fighters including the UFC’s current P4P No.1 fighter, Islam Makhachev. Nonetheless, building a brand and taking over social media may still prove to be his hardest undertaking yet. However, ironically, the one thing Moicano is not concerned with is money.

It seems as he enters the twilight of his career, Renato Moicano is looking at other pursuits. His breakdown of the UFC’s current landscape may just be him showing off his analysis chops for a job behind the desk someday. Regardless, it’s safe to say that wherever the Brazilian goes, entertainment is sure to follow!

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