Paddy Pimblett or Dan Hooker? UFC star Renato Moicano names the ‘tougher opponent’ between the lightweights
UFC star Renato Moicano names the tougher fight between Paddy Pimblett and Dan Hooker ahead of clash against Benoit Saint-Denis.
UFC star Renato Moicano reveals tougher fight between Paddy Pimblett and Dan Hooker (via Imago)
Brazilian star Renato Moicano envisions potential high-profile lightweight matchups ahead. If he can secure a victory over Benoit Saint-Denis in the main event of UFC Paris, the sky is the limit for Moicano. Moicano (19-6-1 MMA, 11-5 UFC) will headline an event for the second time in his UFC career. Meanwhile, Saint-Denis will aim to regain momentum after a disastrous loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 299.
The Brazilian has secured victories in five of his last six bouts heading into the matchup with Saint-Denis. Moicano anticipates his momentum will keep building if he wins. Paddy Pimblett and Dan Hooker are two high-profile matchups for him if he wins. However, Moicano certainly feels the Pimblett fight will be harder than a scrap with the ‘Hangman.’
Hooker secured a major win at UFC 305 in August, narrowly defeating Mateusz Gamrot by split decision. The ‘Hangman’ has made it clear he wants to climb higher in the 155-pound rankings. Top names like Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and Charles Oliveira could help him take a step closer to a title shot.
Pimblett is fresh off a standout submission victory over Bobby Green at UFC 304 in July. The win clearly impressed Moicano, and any potential fight would excite the fans. Pimblett has also registered interest and it will likely be his next fight. As such, the Brit even suggested a season of TUF to build it up.
Paddy Pimblett ready to coach on TUF against Renato Moicano
Earlier this year, Renato Moicano set his sights on a high-profile matchup against Paddy Pimblett. He even hijacked a broadcast of another MMA promotion to call Pimblett out. After defeating Jalin Turner at UFC 300, he issued a callout again. In return, Pimblett called for a fight against ‘Money Moicano’ after his victory over Green at UFC 304.
After UFC 304, Pimblett addressed the media and floated the idea of him and Moicano serving as coaches on a season of The Ultimate Fighter. Right now, Moicano has to overcome Saint-Denis in enemy territory. He is ranked above Pimblett now. As such, the popular British lightweight want to coach opposite the Brazilian star to build up their fight.
The recent season of The Ultimate Fighter featured Valentina Shevchenko and Alexa Grasso. They are not known for their hilarious nature or showmanship. As such, it may not have been one of the most exciting seasons of TUF. Moicano and Pimblett can certainly change that. Only time will tell if the UFC pairs them as opposing coaches on TUF.
Adhvaidh Ganeshan
(43 Articles Published)