"Easy Fight": Renato Moicano Takes Aim at Ilia Topuria's Confidence Ahead of UFC Return
Ilia Topuria may be looking for an immediate title shot, but Renato Moicano thinks there's something else that'll help him get back on track.
Since a humiliating corner stoppage snapped Ilia Topuria's perfect MMA streak, the former lightweight champion has been eyeing an immediate rematch against Justin Gaethje. Renato Moicano, however, has detailed a humbler plan for 'El Matador' to shake off his ring rust.
Renato Moicano Volunteers to be Ilia Topuria's Comeback Fight
The veteran lightweight will headline UFC Vegas 123 against Tom Nolan on Oct. 31 after Brian Ortega's last-minute withdrawal derailed his UFC 331 bout. Moicano already has a few names in his mind for a post-victory callout, and the former lightweight champion finds himself on that list for surprising reasons.
Speaking with Guilherme from MMA Fighting, 'Money Moicano' apparently offered himself as a quick victory Topuria can bag to cement his UFC comeback.
“Ilia Topuria. That’s a name. He needs an easy fight, right?"
(1/2) Renato Moicano argues he’s the perfect opponent to welcome Ilia Topuria back to the UFC
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) October 2, 2026
"Ilia Topuria. That’s a name. He needs an easy fight, right? That’s the truth. We know how the UFC operates."
(🎥 @guicruzzz) pic.twitter.com/dGRSlS53mm
In fact, the Brazilian fighter, known for chasing big paydays, believes the UFC wouldn't want to sacrifice one of its two top showstoppers, Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria, by putting them against each other.
"We know how the UFC operates. Either they sacrifice him and Paddy Pimblett , or they’ll give him a fight to keep rolling, so the guy can get his confidence back. And I think his confidence is broken," Renato Moicano explained.
The Spanish fighter had to quit even before he could go the full distance, taking brutal shots over four rounds that led to an orbital fracture and a swollen eye. It's no stretch to say Topuria's confidence took a massive hit, especially at a venue like the White House.
Clearly, El Matador is now set on a path to revenge. But Moicano hopes the former champion has also taken the lesson alongside the vigor.
Renato Moicano Details What Went Wrong at UFC Freedom 250
The Brazilian does not doubt Ilia Topuria's desperation. However, as much as difficult training sessions mark his path back to glory, Moicano has also pointed out a critical strategic flaw that needs fixing.
The UFC veteran believes the Spanish menace struggled to separate pre-fight trash talk from an actual game plan inside the Octagon.
"What was his mistake? He thought he could knock out a guy who’s difficult to knock out . He thought he could knock him out at any moment. And it’s one thing to say that, it’s another thing to step into the cage and act as if it’s true," Moicano picked apart the fight with brutal honesty.
Banking on a one-hit spectacle against someone known for their chin and power is not the smartest strategy, and Justin Gaethje proved just that in June.
Ilia Topuria, however, having defeated the likes of Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, and Alexander Volkanovski, is not one to accept defeat. That's exactly what Moicano believes will add to the potential showdown's intrigue.
"And it would be a f***ing tough fight because I think this guy is pissed off, right? He must be training like an animal."
