Renato Moicano thinks he would make quick work of Paddy Pimblett in a potential UFC fight.
Moicano (18-5-1 MMA, 10-5 UFC) baited Pimblett (21-3 MMA, 5-0 UFC) into calling him out after he suggested that Drew Dober, whom he beat by unanimous decision Saturday at UFC Fight Night 235, should fight him next.
Pimblett responded by suggesting that they fight, and Moicano is all in.
Paddy Pimblett vs. Renato Moicano, anyone? 👀 pic.twitter.com/wz0wwekpSb
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) February 5, 2024
Moicano said he is willing to fight Pimblett in the UFC’s rumored return to England in summer, but he won’t chase him.
“I can beat this motherf*cker in June, but I’m not waiting too much,” Moicano said on the “Believe You Me” podcast with Michael Bisping. “I’m 34 years old. I have to go and if you want that smoke just send me the contract, Paddy Pimblett. Easy money. I’m going to make you easy money, my brother, finish on the first round.”
Moicano wasn’t entirely critical of Pimblett’s skillset but said he sees several holes he can expose.
“He’s trying to make himself a name in UFC right, and I think he could be a good fighter,” Moicano said. “I remember his fight against Luigi Vendramini, and I know Luigi Vendramini is tough, and he was losing and then he beat (Vendramini), so I think he has a good chin. Every time that I talk sh*t about the fight is because I want to get the fight, but I will be honest with you: I think he can take a punch.
“I think his chin is good, but I do think that he lacks some defense in the striking, especially when he’s walking forward like his chin is up high. I think his wrestling is not top notch, I think he has a good jiu-jitsu, but only jiu-jitsu is not going to get you to the rankings. You have to have good striking and solid wrestling and good cardio, and as far as I am concerned, his cardio is not the greatest. So, I see a lot of holes.”
Moicano sees potential in Pimblett but only after he’s done with him.
“With his popularity and how UFC likes him, I think he can do it,” Moicano said. “The only problem is he’s going to be a better fighter after I finish him in the first round.”
