Renato Moicano criticized UFC Vegas 104, held at the UFC APEX, despite its action-packed card with nine stoppages, arguing that the venue diminishes fighter hype and career progression compared to events held elsewhere with more media engagement and fanfare.
UFC Vegas 104 was quite the spectacle, boasting nine stoppages and only four decisions. Yet, Renato Moicano, a UFC lightweight, thinks it’s high time the promotion ditched the UFC APEX for good.
The APEX served its purpose during the pandemic, offering a haven for events when restrictions were tight. Moicano fought there three times, including a pay-per-view in 2020. But now? He argues it’s lost its relevance.
“To me, it was a bad UFC [card],” Moicano shared on his YouTube channel. Sure, there were knockouts and submissions galore. But he believes the APEX is more about hyping fighters from the Contender Series than delivering memorable cards.
Located in Las Vegas next to the UFC PI, the APEX is cost-effective for the UFC. No venue fees mean cheaper cards. However, Moicano misses the buzz of fight weeks held elsewhere—media days, open workouts, and citywide excitement.
UFC Vegas 104 featured a rematch between middleweights Marvin Vettori and Roman Dolidze. Moicano praised Andre Lima and Kevin Vallejos but lamented that fighting at the APEX might not propel their careers as it should.
“UFC APEX cards must stop,” Moicano insisted. Take Carlos Vera’s win over Josias Musasa—did it shake up the bantamweight division? Not really. He questions if such fights truly impact fighters’ trajectories.
Kevin Vallejos gained some attention despite a loss to Seung Woo Choi at featherweight. His callout of Jean Silva seemed off, yet Moicano is curious about his next move. Imagine if Vallejos had his moment on a pay-per-view; the hype would be on another level.
Ignacio Bahamondes serves as another example. Despite an impressive spinning kick knockout at the APEX, it went largely unnoticed. Yet a submission win on a numbered card against Jalin Turner catapulted him into the top 15 with newfound hype.
UFC Vegas 104 marked the ninth event of the year, fourth at the APEX. But only three of ten events between March and June 7 will be held there. The octagon hits the road again soon—London’s Fight Night with Leon Edwards vs. Sean Brady, followed by Mexico City before returning to APEX.
In Moicano’s eyes, taking events on tour brings back the magic that’s missing at APEX. Perhaps it’s time for UFC to rethink where they showcase their talent—because sometimes location makes all the difference.