Renato Moicano’s hope for an unlikely title shot sparks controversy: Will a stunning victory over Beneil Dariush at UFC 311 prove he’s the next in line for UFC gold?

Renato Moicano, the Brazilian lightweight fighter currently ranked #10, has expressed a rather unusual hope as he chases a UFC title shot: that Islam Makhachev or Arman Tsarukyan suffer an injury. This shocking statement was made during a recent interview with MMA Fighting, where Moicano shared his thoughts on what it would take for him to break into the title picture.

A Risky Plan for Title Glory

Moicano’s position in the rankings hasn’t exactly given him a clear shot at UFC gold, but that doesn’t mean he’s not ready to make a splash. In fact, he believes that circumstances could suddenly tip in his favor, referencing a historic instance in the UFC where Al Iaquinta was thrust into a title fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov due to Max Holloway’s inability to make weight. Moicano recalled, “I was on the same card when Max Holloway couldn’t make weight, and Al Iaquinta got his title shot. I don’t think he would ever get a title shot if it wasn’t like that.”

image_6775f2f9bb809 Renato Moicano Hopes Makhachev vs Tsarukyan Breaks Leg for Chance at UFC Title Fight

Despite his somewhat tongue-in-cheek tone, Moicano is clear about his ambition. As a fighter who has seen the unpredictability of the sport, he’s more than willing to take advantage of a twist of fate—such as a potential leg injury to a top contender—if it opens up an opportunity for him.

Moicano’s Strategy: Dominate and Demand the Shot

While the idea of a fighter getting a title shot through misfortune might sound controversial, Moicano knows that the road to the top isn’t always straightforward. At 35 years old, he understands that time is running out for him to make his mark in the lightweight division. That’s why his focus now is on taking the most direct route possible: dominating his next opponent, Beneil Dariush, at UFC 311.

“My plan is to go over there, dominate Dariush, finish him, and get the mic and make my case for the title shot… I am on a six-fight win streak with five finishes—who else has these stats in lightweight?” Moicano proudly declared. This calculated confidence suggests that Moicano sees his bout with Dariush as the perfect opportunity to showcase his skills and make a compelling case for his title shot.

A Rising Star with a Solid Winning Streak

The stakes couldn’t be higher for Moicano. With his impressive six-fight win streak, including five finishes, Moicano is confident that his performances will set him apart from the other fighters in the division. A victory over the #9-ranked Dariush could be the perfect statement that he is ready to step up to the title fight.

Ready to Seize the Moment

As Moicano prepares for UFC 311, all eyes will be on him. He’s not just fighting for the win; he’s fighting for a chance to change the trajectory of his career. If history teaches us anything, it’s that the UFC title picture can be unpredictable, and one well-timed victory—along with the right words after—can catapult a fighter into the spotlight.

Moicano may joke about wishing for others to suffer injuries, but when it comes to his future in the UFC, he’s all business. His eyes are firmly set on the prize, and he’s ready to seize his moment when it comes.