Renato Moicano has one goal in mind: Dominate. The Brazilian lightweight star, fresh off a perfect 2024, is heading into UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2 with a fire that’s impossible to ignore. On January 18, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, Moicano takes on Beneil Dariush in a fight that could catapult him into the Top 5 of the lightweight division.
For Moicano, this isn’t just another fight—it’s a career-defining moment.
A Trail of Destruction in 2024
Moicano’s 2024 was nothing short of sensational. He kicked off the year with a surgical performance against Drew Dober, controlling the fight for over 10 minutes and outstriking his opponent 142-36. Next, he delivered a dramatic comeback TKO victory over Jalin Turner at the historic UFC 300, proving his grit under pressure. But his crowning moment came in enemy territory, where he dismantled Benoît Saint Denis in Paris, France. After a relentless ground-and-pound assault, the fight was called off before the third round could even begin.
These performances earned Moicano a No. 7 spot in the 2024 UFC.com Awards and established him as one of the division’s most dangerous contenders. But for Moicano, the journey is far from over.
“I’m Focused on My Performance, Not Winning or Losing”
At 35, Moicano is laser-focused on staying active, making money, and forcing his way into the lightweight title picture. Despite his recent success, he acknowledges the pressure of the moment.
“I stopped caring about winning and losing,” Moicano revealed. “I’ve been training hard, and I know what I need to do. I just have to go out there, stop overthinking, and perform. When I fight freely, I’m unstoppable.”
But make no mistake—Moicano knows the stakes. “I cannot afford to lose, and that’s the reality. I’m not losing. I want money. If I lose, it’s just half a check. I want the full check.”
A Path to the Top 5
While Dariush, ranked No. 9, enters this fight after back-to-back losses, Moicano refuses to underestimate him. “Dariush is well-rounded,” he admitted, “but he’s not on my level in any area of MMA. If I take him down, I’ll stay on top. If he takes me down, I’ll get up and beat him. Simple as that.”
Initially, Moicano wasn’t thrilled about facing a lower-ranked opponent, but staying active and showcasing his skills on the year’s first pay-per-view are more important to him than rankings.
“This fight didn’t make sense at first, but it’s what the UFC offered, and I’m feeling good, healthy, and ready to fight. Plus, being on the same card as a title fight is huge. I plan to steal the spotlight, talk my s***, and make my case for a title shot.”
Don’t Blink: Moicano’s Moment Awaits
With the lightweight division in flux, Moicano sees an opportunity to shake things up. “The division is stuck right now. People aren’t fighting. I’m here to change that. First, I need to knock Dariush out and make my case for the title.”
Renato Moicano is a man on a mission. His confidence, determination, and relentless drive make him a must-watch fighter at UFC 311. Can he take another massive step toward lightweight gold?
Find out at UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2, live from Los Angeles. Prelims start at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT, with the main card kicking off on PPV at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT. Don’t miss it—this could be the night Moicano takes his destiny into his own hands.