Renato Moicano sees big success coming at lightweight ahead of UFC 256

Renato Moicano found himself ranked in the top five at featherweight at one point. His goal is rise even higher, and that quest starts at UFC 256.

After spending his first eight octagon appearances at 145 pounds, Moicano (14-3-1 MMA, 6-3 UFC) jumped up a division in March. He scored a 44-second submission of Damir Hadzovic at UFC Fight Night 170 in March for a near-flawless debut at 155 pounds.

The performance and subsequent training has Moicano feeling right at home in his new division, he said. He hasn’t ruled out ever cutting those extra 10 pounds again, but said it would have to be for a truly worthwhile cause.

“I don’t have to cut weight and I’m feeling stronger,” Moicano told reporters, including MMA Junkie, at UFC 256 virtual media day on Wednesday. “I think this is the right division, but if UFC offers me a really good fight at 145, a top-five contender, I would go back. I’m feeling the best moment of my life, I’m feeling in shape and I feel I can do even better at ’55 than ’45.”

Moicano will attempt to make it 2-0 at lightweight Saturday when he meets Rafael Fiziev (8-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) in a main card matchup at UFC Apex in Las Vega. The fight airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN2 and ESPN+.

Fiziev is only three fight into his UFC career, but has proven to be dangerous thus far due to his striking background. Moicano said he’s not underestimating his opponent, but thinks a difference is going to reveal itself inside the octagon.

“He has a great experience in combat sports, and I think the best man will win,” Moicano said. “I think this man is going to be me. … I think this fight is going to be who wants it more, and I want it more.”