Renato Moicano has mapped out the final chapter of his professional mixed martial arts career. The 37-year-old lightweight contender revealed that he has just three fights remaining on his current UFC contract and intends to hang up his small-fingered gloves for good once those obligations are fulfilled. However, rather than riding off into a quiet retirement, the Brazilian fan-favorite has a very specific, lucrative second act in mind: influencer boxing.
Moicano’s future plans come on the heels of a frustrating setback inside the Octagon. In his most recent outing at UFC Vegas 123 on Halloween night at the Meta Apex, Moicano suffered a third-round knockout loss to Tom Nolan. Despite the definitive finish, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for Moicano and his supporters, as the fight’s trajectory was drastically altered by a controversial officiating decision.
Up until the third-round stoppage, Moicano was largely dictating the pace and utilizing his world-class grappling to stifle Nolan. He comfortably secured the first round and was well on his way to sweeping the second stanza. During the second round, Moicano successfully transitioned to Nolan’s back and was actively working to sink in a rear-naked choke submission.
Instead of letting the grappling exchange play out, referee Dan Miragliotta made the controversial decision to stand both fighters up. That single officiating blunder proved disastrous for Moicano, who ultimately paid a hefty price when the momentum shifted in the striking department during the third round, leading to Nolan’s knockout victory.
The MMA community and legions of fans swiftly took to social media to voice their outrage over Miragliotta’s standing-up call, with many arguing that the referee robbed Moicano of a rightful grappling-heavy victory. Yet, despite the lingering controversy and the fierce debate still echoing across the sport, the former 155-pound title challenger has chosen to leave the incident behind him. Rather than dwelling on what happened at the Meta Apex, Moicano has shifted his full focus toward healing, training, and preparing for the remainder of his active career.
Renato Moicano On What He Wants After His UFC Duties Are Over
Appearing as a guest on The Ariel Helwani Show, Moicano offered remarkable candor regarding his longevity in the sport, his financial motivations, and his hard-capped timeline for retirement. When asked about his long-term future in MMA, the veteran did not hesitate to confirm that his days inside the cage are numbered.
"To be completely honest with you, I want to finish my contract, and once I finish my contract, I don’t want to fight MMA anymore," Moicano stated during his appearance.
For a seasoned veteran who has endured the physical toll of a grueling career at the highest levels of combat sports, the realization of a hard exit point is often a matter of self-preservation. Moicano made it clear that he understands the brutal reality of professional fighting, where many legends stay in the sport long past their physical primes, chasing past glories while accumulating unnecessary damage.
To illustrate his point, Moicano pointed to fellow veteran Tony Ferguson as an example of what he actively wishes to avoid. Ferguson, a beloved pioneer of the lightweight division, experienced a historic downward spiral late in his career, suffering a lengthy losing streak as he continued to test himself against elite competition deep into his forties.
"I don’t wanna be like Tony Ferguson," Moicano explained. "Eight fights, trying to be a champion, 40 years old, on a six-fight losing streak. I don’t want that. I’m happy. Sometimes you have to realize when you’re done. You have to realize how much gas you have left in the tank, how much love for the sport you have. For me, it’s these three more fights."
Rather than continuing to chase world titles or grinding through top-tier contenders in the unforgiving lightweight division, Moicano has envisioned a vastly different kind of competition for his post-MMA life. Embracing the booming trend of crossover combat sports, the Brazilian lightweight revealed an unexpected ambition to transition into the world of celebrity and influencer boxing.
With a trademark bluntness that has made him a viral sensation on the microphone, Moicano outlined his tongue-in-cheek vision for his post-UFC fighting days. Instead of facing dangerous, well-rounded martial artists who possess elite grappling and striking credentials, Moicano humorously confessed that he would prefer a completely different challenge.
"I want to do boxing, like influencer boxing," Moicano said. "I want to beat up people that don’t know how to fight."
In addition to preserving his health and seeking out easier, high-profile paydays in the boxing ring, Moicano also touched upon the broader economic realities of fighting at the elite level. Taking a subtle yet direct dig at the UFC’s compensation structure for fighters, the veteran hinted that financial incentives also play a significant role in his decision to walk away from mixed martial arts once his current deal expires.
"I think after these 3 I’m done because [the UFC] is not gonna pay me enough," Moicano added.
With three fights left to fulfill on his current contract, Renato Moicano’s tenure in the UFC is officially winding down. Whether he can bounce back from his recent setback against Tom Nolan and secure a string of victories before stepping away remains to be seen. However, the Brazilian contender has made his intentions crystal clear: he intends to write his own exit strategy, leaving MMA on his own terms before pivoting to the lucrative and unconventional world of influencer boxing.
