EXCLUSIVE | For Renato Moicano, fighting Jose Aldo ‘means everything’

Renato Moicano is a rising star in the UFC’s featherweight division. He’s been with the UFC since 2014 and has gone 5-1 during that time with his only loss coming against Brian Ortega.

Since the loss to Ortega, Moicano defeated Calvin Kattar and Cub Swanson to then become the backup fighter for the UFC 231 main event. Moicano ended up not having to fight as Max Holloway and Ortega both made weight. However, being the backup fighter showed he was the number one contender at featherweight, and he has to prove that when he takes on Jose Aldo at UFC Fortaleza.

“Jose Aldo is a true legend, he is a warrior,” Moicano said to BJPENN.com. “He has been in many, many wars in the UFC and beat the best guys in the featherweight division. So, to me, this fight means everything. After I get this win against him, for sure people will know me better. People will know me. This fight, I just have to win this fight. It’s a fight, and I only win.”

If Moicano does indeed come out on top, he believes he will be getting the next title shot.

“For sure. It depends on what Max Holloway will do if he goes to lightweight to fight someone up there,” he said. “If he stays at 145, then for sure I will fight for the title against Max after this fight.”

Although Moicano is confident a win gets him a title shot, he is not looking past Aldo. He knows Aldo is a tough competitor and that he will need to be at his best to get a win.

“I am just focusing on this fight because I have to beat a legend,” he said. “I have to put all my weapons, and I have to put a great performance together. After that, we will see.”

No matter how the action unfolds, Renato Moicano thinks this will be a fun fight for the fans in Brazil and those watching at home.

“I know Aldo is explosive. It will be a stand-up war where we both try to throw combinations, kicks,” Moicano said. “It will be a great fight for the fans.”

For Moicano, it is cool to be fighting a legend of the sport in Aldo. However, he wishes this fight was the card’s main event. Although cardio is not a worry, he would prefer to show fans he can go all five rounds so there aren’t questions surrounding him when he gets a title shot.

“In the beginning, I thought this would be the main event,” he said. “I heard Aldo saying he wants a three-round fight. For me, that is not a problem, three-rounds is good, too. But, I would prefer to be the main event.”

Although Moicano is not fighting in the main event, he is fighting in his home country of Brazil, which he considers an honor.

“It is good for me, I love Brazil,” he said. “I’ve fought in Brazil two times and I think this time will be the same. I’ll feel the energy of the people, and I’m glad to fight here again.”

Ultimately, come February 2, Moicano will be ready to take on the former champion in Aldo. His confidence is high and knows the stakes are high as well.

“This is my time. This is my chance to prove I’m a real contender. After this fight, I’m coming for the belt,” he concluded.

Do you think Renato Moicano will beat Jose Aldo on February 2?

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 1/27/2019