Renato Moicano Explains Why Dana White and UFC Won’t Book Fan-Favorite Matchup Against Dan Hooker

Brazilian lightweight contender Renato Moicano responds to Dan Hooker's call out for a potential bout.

Renato Moicano Explains Why Dana White and UFC Won’t Book Fan-Favorite Matchup Against Dan Hooker

Renato Moicano reveals why Dan Hooker fight is not possible (via Yahoo Sports, MMA mania)

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The UFC is known for matching veteran contenders against rising prospects, pitting experienced fighters against the developing talents. Renato Moicano recently highlighted this trend when evaluating a potential bout with Dan Hooker. He suggested that the UFC would be unlikely to book their matchup under this pattern. His comments reflected the promotion’s long-standing developmental approach.

Moicano debuted in the UFC in 2014 and spent most of his tenure competing at featherweight before moving to lightweight in 2020. His recent form includes back-to-back losses that affected his divisional standing. His latest fight came on short notice against former champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 311, which ended in a first-round submission defeat.

Hooker recently competed in a No.1 contender bout against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC Qatar. The loss pushed him out of immediate title contention and left him seeking another meaningful matchup. After the event, he called out Moicano due to their similar competitive status. This challenge set the stage for Moicano’s subsequent response online.

He’s right. I suck, and he sucks. The thing he’s missing is that he’s way, way worse than me — no ground game, no knockout power, no wrestling. Unfortunately for both of us, the UFC isn’t going to make this matchup. Let’s be honest, we’re both old, and they probably want to feed us to young contenders and prospects. I think what they’ll do is BSD against Dan Hooker.

Renato Moicano via The Ariel Helwani Show

The UFC has frequently relied on veteran-versus-prospect matchmaking in recent years. Colby Covington’s bout with Joaquin Buckley illustrated this trend within the welterweight division. Buckley opened a significant cut over Covington’s eye during the fight, leading to a doctor’s stoppage. The outcome showed how rising contenders can overwhelm veterans despite the experience gap.

Another instance occurred when Gilbert Burns was matched against Michael Morales. Burns carried years of elite experience into the fight, while Morales put on a dominant performance and knocked out ‘Durinho’ in the first round. UFC legend Jose Aldo was also pitted against young contenders such as Jonathan Martinez, Aiemann Zahabi, and Mario Bautista in his last three UFC outings.

Renato Moicano, now 36 years old, recently declined a short-notice fight against Charles Oliveira. He indicated that his YouTube channel offers greater financial value than accepting high-risk replacement bouts. The decision aligned with a veteran’s long-term considerations late in a career. With Dan Hooker still seeking the fight, the matchup remains uncertain.

Renato Moicano weighs in on the Isaac Dulgarian betting scandal

Isaac Dulgarian was a heavy favorite at around -240 and lost his fight against Yadier del Valle at UFC Vegas 110 via a first-round rear-naked choke submission. Hours before the bout, betting lines shifted dramatically, with a large volume of late wagers placed on del Valle to win and for the fight to end in the first round. The unusual activity prompted concern over possible match manipulation.

Renato Moicano talks about the Isaac Dulgarian controversy
Renato Moicano talks about the Isaac Dulgarian controversy (via MMA Fighting)

The UFC responded swiftly after the fight, with its betting integrity partner IC360 alerting officials. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that the organization contacted the FBI to investigate the suspicious wagering. Renato Moicano recently noted that specific sequences in the fight seemed unusual, suggesting irregular behavior in the opening seconds.

The first shot 15 seconds into the fight he got his hands locked on a perfect double leg, his head in the right position, and then he let the guy go. He didn’t even try and it was strange.

Renato Moicano via Show Me The Money podcast

The controversy surrounding the fight highlights ongoing concerns about integrity in mixed martial arts. Moicano’s observations reinforced scrutiny of unusual in-ring behavior. The UFC’s rapid response and the FBI’s involvement illustrate the seriousness with which such allegations are treated. Overall, the incident underscores the growing importance of oversight and transparency in the sport.

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