Renato Moicano Hits Back at Critics Blasting Him for Snubbing $200K: “Lawsuit Is Gone”

Former lightweight title contender Renato Moicano slams his detractors for questioning his decision to reject UFC settlement money.

Renato Moicano Hits Back at Critics Blasting Him for Snubbing $200K: “Lawsuit Is Gone”

Renato Moicano talks about rejecting $200K settlement money (via Imago)

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After a decade long career in UFC, Renato Moicano is now widely loved for his unapologetic honesty and charismatic personality. Recently, Moicano shocked the MMA world by rejecting a huge settlement in the UFC’s long-standing antitrust lawsuit against the promotion. Many fans and analysts mocked his decision online, calling it foolish and emotional rather than financially or legally strategic.

Earlier in February, the UFC announced a $375M settlement in the Le vs. Zuffa antitrust lawsuit involving fighters from 2010–2017. Eligible fighters were promised compensation based on how many official bouts they had in the UFC during that seven-year span. 

Moicano, having competed six times in the UFC during that period, was offered approximately $200K as his settlement portion. Despite the backlash, the proud Brazilian fighter stood firm, insisting on principles over money. In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, the fighter talked about this in detail to address the backlash that he received.

I base the stuff that I do based on principles… and that’s hard. I like money, but I would never rob a bank. I would never go against my word just to get money. My whole point is when these people signed with the UFC, they were very happy about this. 10 years later they say, ‘No. I was not happy. I was abused.’

Renato Moicano via The Ariel Helwani Show

This lawsuit aimed to expose alleged violations of U.S. antitrust laws, demanding accountability and fairer financial treatment for fighters. Some of the biggest UFC superstars involved in the antitrust lawsuit include Cung Le, Jon Fitch, and Nate Quarry. Talking about these fighters, the Brazilian star shared his annoyance and mentioned how this initiative is strictly based on personal growth. 

Then when they have the chance to keep going with the lawsuit, they dropped it because they did the settlement. So they got the money and the lawsuit is gone. Guess what? UFC will continue doing the same thing that you’ve been complaining about.

Renato Moicano continued.

The Le vs. Zuffa lawsuit was filed by several former fighters accusing the UFC of unfair practices in the MMA industry. It claimed the UFC suppressed fighter wages by locking athletes into restrictive contracts and eliminating fair competition from rival promotions.

They argued Zuffa (UFC’s parent company) used its market dominance to control fighter careers, pay structure, and sponsorship opportunities. If the lawsuit went to trial and won the case, they would have received much more than the $375 million that was reached in settlement. However, the plaintiffs chose to accept the settlement rather fight it out in court, something Moicano takes issue with.

Renato Moicano mocks former UFC heavyweight for dismissing his decision

Renato Moicano was personally contacted by UFC CEO Dana White and executive Hunter Campbell, who urged him to accept a $200K settlement offer. The Brazilian steadfastly refused, explaining he didn’t care about UFC money but valued his ideals and principles above financial gain.

Several experts criticized his decision, including Brendan Schaub, who publicly mocked the refusal, calling it irrational and misguided. Though MMA fans troll Schaub on a regular basis, they felt he spoke the truth by calling out ‘Money Moicano.’

Renato Moicano slams Brendan Schaub for recent comments
Renato Moicano slams Brendan Schaub for recent comments (via X)

On his YouTube channel, Schaub dragged Moicano’s wife and children into the conversation, urging reconsideration for their well-being. He emphasized Moicano should think of his family’s financial future and conduct proper research before rejecting such a substantial settlement. During his interview with Ariel Helwani, the Brazilian star made sure to hit back at Schaub, mocking his stand-up career. 

If you think yourself as dumb, think the people that watch the Brendan Schaub show on YouTube, the comedy, the special. That’s f**king terrible. Okay, brother. Even I can do better than that sh*t, brother, and I don’t even speak English and I can be funnier than you, my brother.

Renato Moicano continued.

Moicano earned the biggest paycheck of his career by facing Islam Makhachev, despite losing the fight via submission. Unfortunately, he later suffered another tough defeat to veteran lightweight Beneil Dariush.

On a two-fight losing run, the lightweight contender need to avoid another slump or risk getting cut by the UFC with an 0-3 run. Some fans believe that the $200K would come in handy if he gets cut, but Moicano remains steadfast in his beliefs.

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