Renato Moicano is eager to fight soon and believes he deserves a big-name opponent, expressing willingness to wait until March to face Justin Gaethje, viewing it as a crucial step toward a title shot.
Renato Moicano is itching to step back into the octagon soon, but for a name like Justin Gaethje, he’s ready to play the waiting game. Fresh off a second-round victory over Benoit Saint Denis at UFC Paris, Moicano is eager to look ahead. With four consecutive wins in the fierce lightweight division, the Brazilian fighter feels he’s due for a big-name opponent. More than anything, he craves a chance to inch closer to that coveted title shot.
“I’d fight anyone above me in the rankings,” Moicano told MMA Fighting. “Justin Gaethje, anyone really. I don’t care. I’m 35—it’s go time. I need one more win. I need a title shot.” Depending on how his next fight unfolds, a title opportunity could be on the horizon. He wants to fight ASAP.
Gaethje presents an intriguing option—his fights are always fireworks. The former interim champ hasn’t fought since April when Max Holloway knocked him out at UFC 300. Recently, though, he’s been hinting at a comeback. His manager, Ali Abdelaziz, mentioned a potential return in March.
While Moicano is eager for his next bout, Gaethje’s name would make him hit pause if the UFC proposed that matchup. “I can wait to fight Justin Gaethje in March,” Moicano said confidently. “Especially with him coming off a knockout—I think I’m a good test for him as a wrestler who can defend takedowns.”
Throughout his UFC career, Gaethje has earned a reputation as perhaps the most thrilling fighter on the roster. With eight Fight of the Night bonuses and 13 overall in 13 appearances, he’s unmatched in post-fight accolades. Past rivals like Dustin Poirier have likened fighting Gaethje to surviving a car crash—brutal yet unforgettable.
Moicano promises he’s ready for whatever Gaethje throws and will retaliate with equal ferocity. “I’d beat Justin Gaethje. I don’t care,” Moicano declared. “He could be the baddest guy on Earth—the ‘BMF’ or whatever—but I’m not losing. Send me that contract; I’ll knock him out.”
“I’m not saying I won’t shoot for a takedown because I will,” he added, “but I’ll try to knock him out too—ground-and-pound or standup.” Despite his current winning streak, Moicano knows time is fleeting and success past 30 is rare in this sport. That’s why he’s so keen to get back in the gym and prepare.
In an ideal scenario, he’d face someone like Gaethje next and aim for a title shot before 2025 wraps up. “I’m not losing,” Moicano reiterated. “I can’t afford it—I need every win to reach the belt.” As for Gaethje’s plans? Who knows if he’ll fight Poirier again or take another path? Regardless, Moicano stands ready to seize his title shot after defeating Gaethje.