Renato Moicano has been rewarded for his splendid deed in the UFC. After going undefeated for four bouts, the Brazilian will be going up against Islam Makhachev. However, Moicano must thank Arman Tsarukyan for the same as he was the one originally slated to challenge for the title. Unfortunately, while the Armenian’s back injury flared up, Moicano got himself a golden opportunity to get his hands on the title.
And going by the looks of it, the Brazilian is utterly confident of his victory on January 18. Issuing a chilling warning to the champion, Moicano mentioned that he would be spelling trouble for the lightweight champion inside the ring.
In an interaction with the UFC, the Brazilian stated, “I think I’ll beat Islam tomorrow. I truly believe that… he’s in trouble tomorrow.”
🗣️ Renato Moicano: “I think I’ll beat Islam tomorrow. I truly believe that… he’s in trouble tomorrow.” 👀🔥
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 18, 2025
🎥 @ufc #UFC311 #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/H8szpLkgNM
Now, these words might feel like a bold claim. But a look at Moicano’s fighting history will say otherwise. In the 17 bouts Moicano has been in the UFC, he has finished his opponents 12 times via KO or submission. He has also registered thumping victories within the second round in his last two bouts as well. Thus, it is possible that Makhachev might be in for a bumpy ride. However, Islam Makhachev does not seem to buy any of the claims. He has instead asked the Brazilian to be ‘grateful.’
Islam Makhachev Claims Renato Moicano Is ‘Predictable’
Islam Makhachev is looking pretty much relaxed as he got Arman Tsarukyan out of the way. As Renato Moicano stepped in, Makhachev did not think that the Brazilian would be a threat enough to dismantle his crown. Reflecting on his upcoming UFC 311 bout, the champion termed Moicano’s fighting style as ‘predictable.’
Speaking with ‘ESPN MMA’, Makhachev said, “He has to be grateful because I gave him the opportunity to fight for the title… He’s very predictable, I know his game.”
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Islam Makhachev says Renato Moicano is “very predictable” 👀
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 18, 2025
“He has to be grateful because I gave him the opportunity to fight for the title…
He’s very predictable, I know his game.”
🎥 @espnmma #UFC311 #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/engqUN4Sls
Thus, despite not being able to get the scheduled match-up, the main event still looks to be a banger. With shots being fired from both ends, it now remains to be seen who ends up on the winning side come January 18.
Also Read: Renato Moicano Pushes UFC To Raise $50K Performance Bonuses, Says Inflation Demands It
