Renato Moicano reacts to Brian Ortega vs. Dan Hooker
The Brazilian questioned the UFC's decision to book Ortega against Dan Hooker after the American withdrew from their fight for the second time.
Renato Moicano is once again frustrated with Brian Ortega. After the American withdrew from their UFC 331 matchup due to injury for the second time, the UFC booked him to face Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar, prompting another angry reaction from the Brazilian.
Renato Moicano Blasts Brian Ortega vs. Dan Hooker Matchup
Ortega already has a new opponent after withdrawing from his fight against Moicano. The former UFC featherweight title challenger was supposed to face the Brazilian at UFC 331, but is now scheduled to face Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar. The matchup left Moicano questioning the UFC's decision.
Moicano's grudge did not start just now. The Brazilian was expected to face Ortega at UFC 326 in March, but the American withdrew from the bout due to injuries. Six months later, the American pulled out once again from their scheduled fight in September, prompting the Brazilian to roast Ortega on his social media.
Now, following the UFC's announcement of Ortega's matchup against Hooker, the Brazilian once again took to his YouTube channel to react to the news and criticize the fight.
"Are you kidding me? This is unbelievable, it's incredible," Moicano began. "How is this possible? Brian Ortega, in the first fight, he pulled out and got another six-month suspension, then he's going to fight Calvo (Moicano), pulls out again. Calvo (Moicano) is fighting Tom Nolan at the Apex, and Brian Ortega is fighting Dan Hooker in Qatar. I just can't wrap my head around this."
The Brazilian's frustration was not limited to Ortega's withdrawal. Moicano also questioned why the UFC decided to book the former title challenger against Hooker instead of finally giving him the fight he had been asking for.
"Explain this to me: Dan Hooker, a turtle in a tree, Brian Ortega, who only loses, one of the two easiest fights for Moicano," Moicano said. "Moicano has been asking for this fight for years, and they put these two against each other. A turtle against a tree — what's going to come out of that?"
Renato Moicano Predicts Dan Hooker Victory
Despite his criticism of the matchup, Moicano is betting on Hooker to come out on top when he meets Ortega in Qatar. The Brazilian expects "T-City" to struggle to impose his grappling against the New Zealander.
"Dan Hooker vs. Brian Ortega: this is the fight between the bad and the worse, the dead and the rotten," Moicano said. "It's incredible that this fight is in this position in the rankings. It's absurd. But here, I think Dan Hooker wins, believe it or not. Brian Ortega won't be able to take him down, and you're going to see Dan Hooker win in 2026, believe it or not."
Ortega and Hooker are expected to meet at UFC Qatar on Nov. 21. Meanwhile, Moicano will face Tom Nolan in the UFC Vegas 123 main event on Oct. 31.
