Renato Moicano Calls Out Paul Felder Following UFC Brasilia Victory

Renato Moicano made quick work of Damir Hadzovic in his debut at lightweight.

Now, Moicano wants to face a real challenge in the division.

After submitting Hadzovic in 44 seconds at UFC Fight Night 170 Saturday, Moicano called for a future bout with Paul Felder. While Moicano is ranked in the Top-10 at featherweight, Felder is a Top-10 lightweight.

“I want to fight the best,” Moicano said. “I am Top-7 and people don’t recognize me, don’t give me the respect. I respect the guy, a big fan of him. I am No. 7 in featherweight, he No. 7 in lightweight.”

Competing in his hometown but without anyone in attendance, Moicano was able to secure a quick rear-naked choke on Hadzovic. He continued to talk after the match before security stepped between the two.

“I fought in my hometown and no familiar faces,” Moicano said. “Not my family, my son was born, I am a daddy now. I love my wife, she is the best person I know. She carried my son and I dedicate this victory to him.”

The win improved Moicano to 14-3-1 overall wth seven of those victories coming via submission.

Moicano, a 30-year-old, was coming off back-to-back losses to Chan Sung Jung and former UFC champion Jose Aldo. Prior to that, he had reeled off wins over Cub Swanson, Jeremy Stephens and Zubaira Tukhugov around a loss to Brian Ortega.

The event took place despite wide-spread panic around the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. UFC officials elected to have the fights happen but without a crowd inside the arena in Brazil.