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It seems like the UFC is brewing yet another electrifying lightweight matchup. Renato Moicano (20-5-1) recently set his sights on Paddy Pimblett (22-3-0), calling him out in a post-fight interview with a bold statement: "Paddy Pimblett, easy money. Dan Hooker, easy money. Don’t come up with bullsh*t fights. Don’t come up with guys that are tough, I want easy fights."
Moicano, fresh off a dominant victory over Benoit Saint Denis, used the moment to highlight his credentials and assert his next move. “I just beat a hell of an athlete,” Moicano said. “Everybody was talking about Benoit Saint Denis. But, guess what, ‘Money’ Moicano is the man tonight.”
It didn’t take long for Pimblett, known for his unfiltered personality and social media presence, to respond. Taking to Instagram, Pimblett tagged Moicano, simply stating, "Let's do this," sending the MMA community into a frenzy of speculation about a potential matchup between the two dynamic fighters.
The Appeal of Pimblett vs. Moicano
This fight, if it materializes, offers a compelling contrast in fighting styles and personalities. Pimblett has become one of the UFC's most marketable fighters due to his charisma, brashness, and tendency to back it up in the octagon. He’s a dangerous grappler with knockout power, but beyond that, he brings a level of showmanship that guarantees eyeballs on any fight he’s involved in.
Renato Moicano, on the other hand, is a seasoned veteran of the lightweight division. With sharp Muay Thai skills, powerful submissions, and a granite chin, he has already faced some of the UFC's toughest competition, including Jose Aldo, Rafael Fiziev, and Rafael dos Anjos. Despite the lighthearted callout, Moicano is anything but an "easy fight" for anyone in the division.
The Brazilian's recent victories have reignited his UFC career, and he’s been vocal about wanting fights that can elevate his profile—and potentially his payday. Pimblett fits that mold perfectly, offering Moicano a highly marketable fight that would draw considerable attention from both hardcore and casual fans.
Moicano’s Callout: Calculated or Reckless?
Moicano’s bold callout, especially labeling Pimblett as "easy money," could be seen as either a calculated risk or a dangerous oversight. While Pimblett has yet to face elite competition in the UFC, his grappling pedigree and heavy hands have made him a rising star in the promotion. Moicano, however, is a fighter who’s been in the trenches of the featherweight and lightweight divisions for years, mixing it up with the likes of Cub Swanson and Chan Sung Jung.
On one hand, Moicano’s confidence is understandable. His blend of striking and Brazilian jiu-jitsu could pose serious problems for Pimblett, whose striking defense has been a topic of debate in recent fights. On the other hand, underestimating a fighter like Pimblett, who thrives on the pressure of proving doubters wrong, could backfire spectacularly.
What Does This Mean for Paddy Pimblett?
For Pimblett, accepting Moicano’s challenge represents a step up in competition. While his UFC career has been marked by highlight-reel moments, many critics have been quick to point out that he has yet to face top-tier opponents. A victory over Moicano would silence many of these critics and propel Pimblett into the upper echelon of the lightweight division.
Pimblett’s career trajectory seems perfectly aligned with the UFC’s tendency to build marketable stars by slowly increasing the level of their opposition. A fight against Moicano would serve as a perfect litmus test for whether Pimblett is ready to compete with the division’s elite. Should he win, "The Baddy" could easily find himself in the conversation for even bigger names and higher stakes fights.
Will It Happen?
As of now, no official date has been set for the fight, but the interest from both parties is clear. Moicano’s willingness to take on Pimblett and the latter’s acceptance on social media has set the stage for what could be an explosive showdown. Both fighters bring unique skill sets and compelling personalities to the table, and with Pimblett’s massive fanbase in tow, the bout would undoubtedly draw significant attention.
While Moicano claimed that he’s after "easy money," he might just find that Paddy Pimblett is a tougher fight than anticipated. Either way, fight fans are in for a treat if this clash of rising lightweight stars makes its way to the octagon.
Let’s hope the UFC makes it official soon because this is a fight the MMA world won’t want to miss. Fight.TV is here for it!