Just over a week has passed since former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight title challenger Renato Moicano suffered a unanimous decision loss to Beneil Dariush at UFC 317, but he’s already targeting his next opponent: fellow 155-pound title challenger Michael Chandler.
“Man, I’ll be completely honest with you, the oldest guy in the division, brother. “Michael Chandler,” Moicano said when asked who he wants to fight next. “I think that fight makes a lot of sense, and there isn’t a better time. I’ve been talking shit for about Michael Chander for so long and if I lose to him, I’ll have to kill myself.”
Suicide is clearly an extreme statement, so Moicano’s co-host proposed an alternative: a loser-retires fight (sound familiar?).
“Money” loved the idea.
“100%,” Moicano said. “Sign the contract.”
From a rankings perspective, a Moicano-Chandler bout aligns well, with Moicano at No. 12 and Chandler at No. 13, despite some fighters calling for Chandler’s removal from the rankings. The matchup also carries extra intrigue, as the two train at rival Florida gyms: American Top Team and Kill Cliff FC.
Moicano (20-7-1) is now on his first two-fight losing streak since transitioning to Lightweight. His previous bout saw him face Islam Makhachev on just one day’s notice, resulting in a first round submission loss (watch highlights).
Chandler (23-10) is on a three-fight losing skid, most recently getting stopped in the third by Paddy Pimblett via TKO (watch highlights).
