Brazilian fighter Renato Moicano reveals ‘$300 million for 42 shows’ ESPN deal as reason behind bad quality UFC fight cards

Renato Moicano is an interesting character in the UFC lightweight division. His charming demeanor and fighting skills made him beloved in the UFC circle. Moicano recently explained why he believed UFC Fight Night cards have declined in quality. He blamed the UFC’s deal with ESPN for this downfall. 

Moicano is an avid YouTuber as well. He recently uploaded a video about the upcoming Fight Night on his YouTube channel. He said the UFC got $300 million annually from ESPN to put on 42 shows. To fulfill this, the quality of Fight Night cards had diminished over time in his view. This is what he said:

I don’t think UFC cares enough about Fight Nights because they have a huge deal with ESPN. They get $300 million every year to make 42 shows. Doesn’t matter if people watch, if people don't watch, it is good or if it's bad, they are gonna make $300 million every year.

Renato Moicano via YouTube

Moicano detailed the issues with UFC’s deal with ESPN, resulting in watered-down events to meet the 42-show quota. Moicano believed that the UFC prioritized stacking pay-per-view cards at the expense of Fight Nights to satisfy ESPN. This left Fight Nights with a lack of star power and meaningful fights.

The Brazilian felt that the UFC prioritized maximizing revenue from the ESPN deal over upholding quality. Lower-level Fight Nights helped the UFC reach the 42-event target. He said that the UFC should reduce the number of events and focus on making every card truly meaningful. This critique may very well put Moicano in the bad books of Dana White and the UFC brass.

Renato Moicano was not pleased with fighting on the UFC Fight Night card

Renato Moicano did not like fighting on the UFC Apex Fight Night card against Drew Dober. He did not hold back criticism of the UFC and said no one cared about Fight Night events. He partially blamed the small UFC Apex venue that hosted most events.

Moicano said point blank that Fight Nights didn’t matter, even if it was fighters like him against Drew Dober. He believed the Apex muted excitement due to its absence of fans. The pay-per-view events were clearly UFC’s priority. Fight Nights felt less significant, showing the fighters and fans what the promotion thought of them.

Moicano believed that the harsh training and damage were the same either way. But fighting as content rather than meaningful bouts was demoralizing for fighters. Fighters do this for the thrill of performing, not just for money. Quiet Apex events deprive them of the big event rush.

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