If Jose Aldo can’t fight at UFC 237, Renato Moicano willing to step in

If Jose Aldo can’t compete at UFC 237, a former opponent is willing to replace him.

Renato Moicano spoke with MMAJunkierecently and said that if Aldo – who was recently admitted to the hospital for a bacterial infection – is forced to withdraw from his fight against Alexander Volkanovski on May 11 that he’d be willing to step up in his place.

“I’m just waiting for a call.” Moicano said. I heard about Jose Aldo can’t fight in Rio (and if he can’t) maybe I can fight with Volkanovski in Rio. I don’t know if Aldo can’t, but I’m ready to do. I want to fight with a top guy. It can be Zabit, it can be Volkanovski, Brian Ortega – I don’t choose. If UFC put I will fight. I want to fight with top guys.”

Moicano (13-2-1) would be looking to avoid back-to-back losses for the first time in his career. The 29-year-old is coming off a TKO setback to Jose Aldo at UFC Fortaleza in February and has now dropped to 2-2 in his last four fights. The Brazilian fighter believes that was a winnable fight and inexperience cost him the victory.

 “For me it was my first big fight and I have to learn how to – I have to learn from some mistakes. I have to be more focused on the fight, not on the media and that stuff. But it was a great experience for me and I think I did a mistake in the second round. Too much confidence.When the first round ended I feel like I just won the fight. I’m like, ‘Man, this is going to be my fight.’ After that I ended in the cage too relaxed and I tried and a knee and he caught me with a left hand and that’s it. But I’m good and I try to get to get it.”

Learn how to watch UFC 237 here. UFC 237 takes place May 11 at Jeunesse Arena in : Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Strawweight champion Rose Namajunas defends her title against Jessica Andrade in the main event.

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 3/28/2019.