Moicano Expresses Relief After Not Facing Oliveira at UFC Rio

Charles Oliveira showcased a dominant return to form during his recent event in Brazil, earning widespread acclaim, including praise from figures like Joe Rogan, for his commanding performance against Mateusz Gamrot.

At UFC Rio, the former lightweight champion not only secured a vital victory but also extended his impressive record for the most finishes in UFC history, dealing Gamrot the first stoppage loss of his career.

Oliveira`s spectacular showing prompted speculation about whether the outcome would have been different had he faced his originally scheduled opponent. However, one fighter who had publicly expressed interest in stepping in as a replacement now considers himself fortunate to have missed the opportunity.

Renato Moicano: Fighting Charles Oliveira in Rio Would Have Been a “Bad Decision”

Following Rafael Fiziev`s withdrawal from the UFC Rio main event against Charles Oliveira, several lightweight contenders reportedly offered to step in. This led Oliveira to publicly criticize some of them, suggesting their stated willingness to fight on three weeks` notice didn`t materialize into actual commitment.

Among those who put their name forward was fellow Brazilian fighter, Renato Moicano.

During a recent episode of the “Show Me The Money” podcast, Moicano openly admitted that watching Oliveira`s performance validated his decision to avoid taking the fight on such short notice.

“He looked ready. I was saying I dodged a bullet, brother, because to take that fight on three weeks notice, no training, that would not be good. But, like I say, the style of Rafael Fiziev is so different.”

Moicano also candidly acknowledged that his perspective would be entirely different if Oliveira had underperformed.

“Of course. If he looked bad, I would say, ‘Man, that was easy money.’ It’s just how it works.”

Moicano Doubts Charles Oliveira`s Chances in His Next Targeted Bout

After his emphatic return to the win column, Charles Oliveira wasted no time in publicly declaring his desired next opponent. His challenge quickly garnered a response from BMF champion Max Holloway, setting the stage for a highly anticipated potential rematch, more than a decade after their initial encounter.

Despite his excitement for the potential matchup, Renato Moicano expressed skepticism about Oliveira`s chances against Holloway.

“He’s not beating Max Holloway, maybe I’m being a hater.”

Сообщение Moicano Expresses Relief After Not Facing Oliveira at UFC Rio появились сначала на Sports News Review.