Moicano Makes Move To Lightweight, Eyes Guida

Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

While several of the lighter Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) stars are moving down in weight, much to the chagrin of some, there are others who are looking to pack on the pounds.

Renato Moicano — who has competed at Featherweight during his entire career — is ready to make the jump up to Lightweight after back-to-back knockout losses at 145 pounds, according to MMA Fighting.

Indeed, the Brazilian standout was knocked out by Jose Aldo and Chan Sung Jung (see it) in the span of four months, prompting him to seek greener pastures in another weight class.

“Some coaches have been asking me to do this test at lightweight,” Moicano said. “I was apprehensive at first, but Mike Brown has asked me many times since I moved to ATT. We’re used to cutting a lot of weight in Brazil, and that was never a problem for me, but I’ve suffered a lot in my last three fights.

“After my last loss, Mike Brown texted me saying ‘I think it’s time for you to move up. You have to at least make a test. If you don’t like it, fine, you can go back (to 145),’ and that’s what I’m going to do.”

Renato already has an opponent in mind, saying he wants to test himself against longtime veteran, Clay Guida. And it’s not because he dislikes “The Carpenter.”

“I’m a huge fan of his and since he has fought many times in Brazil before, I don’t think that would be a problem for him. He’s a veteran and a popular fighter, so that would be good to maybe make it the main or co-main event in Brasilia,” added.

“He always puts on great fights. I’ve always looked out for big-name opponents since my debut and I plan on doing the same at 155: aim for big fights, good opponents.”

Indeed, UFC is set to stage UFC Fight Night 169 in Brasilia, Brazil on March 3, 2020. As it stands, Paige VanZant will face Amanda Ribas on the ESPN+-streamed event, while a fight between Brad Tavares and Antonio Carlos Junior is also planned.

Should his move up not prove successful, Renato says moving down to Featherweight is always an option.