LAS VEGAS – Money continues to be the compass for UFC lightweight contender Renato Moicano.
Having competed just nine weeks ago, Moicano (18-5-1 MMA, 10-5 UFC) is back in fight week mode again. This time, it’s for the historic UFC 300 card Saturday at T-Mobile Arena, as he takes on Jalin Turner (14-7 MMA, 7-4 UFC) on the preliminary card.
Immediately after his February win over Drew Dober, Moicano indicated a matchup with Paddy Pimblett (21-3 MMA, 5-0 UFC), a popular target of UFC fighter callouts, was what he wanted next, or perhaps a home country fight at UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
But when matchmaker Sean Shelby offered a slot on UFC 300, Moicano saw the dollar signs – or potential dollar signs – and put his dream fight wishes aside.
“Of course, I wanted Paddy because on paper it was the easiest fight,” Moicano told MMA Junkie and other reporters Wednesday at a pre-fight news conference. “The easiest fight and more people know him, so that’s what that’s about. But at the same time, I don’t choose my opponents, and I don’t have time to sit and wait. I’m 34 years old. I have to fight. I have to get money. I want money. UFC 300. Which card would be better to get money? Of course, Dana White is going to raise the bonuses so I want the bonuses, too. I think this is a good fight for me, to be honest. Jalin Turner is tough, but I’m better than him.”
While the value of UFC performances has largely remained steady at $50,000, the promotion has increased the amount on a few rare occasions.
At UFC 100 in 2009, the promotion gave out $100,000 bonuses. For UFC 129 in 2011, it distributed $129,000 bonuses. At UFC 262 in 2021, it went with $75,000.
While the promotion has not indicated elevated bonuses for UFC 300, some fighters, including Moicano, Max Holloway, and Justin Gaethje have publicly campaigned for an increase.
“One hundred percent,” Moicano said. “(White) should do that on every card. It’s hard to get a finish in the UFC and I think if you do, you should get more money. But guess what? I don’t make the business. I’m just an employee, so whatever they do, I agree with.”
Increased bonuses or not, Moicano is dead-set on accumulating paper one way or another. The more he wins, the more that’ll happen – and Moicano thinks he’ll earn a pay bump Saturday vs. Turner.
“He’s very good,” Moicano said. “He’s very good, but I’ll beat him on Saturday. I will be in the top 10 and then we’ll see. We’ll see. I don’t have an opponent in mind right now. Definitely, I want to fight somebody in the top 10. I want to get closer to the title and I want more money.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 300.
Renato Moicano explains why he preferred UFC 300 over ‘the easiest fight’ Paddy Pimblett
