The UFC’s pay structure for the majority of fighters consists of show and win purses, meaning athletes double their paycheck with a victory or come home with only half of their expected earnings after a defeat.
For Renato Moicano, cashing two checks is the top priority now.
Moicano is scheduled to face Texas’ own Alexander Hernandez on the main card of UFC 271 in Houston this Saturday, and said he won’t waste any time imagining what a win will mean for his future in terms of matchmaking and ranking placement.
“I’ll be really honest with you, I don’t know and I don’t care,” Moicano told MMA Fighting. Moicano said that he has changed his mindset about the importance of fights. In the sense of going there to win two checks, every fight is equally important. This is what I am focused on: winning the fight and making money. We know the global situation is difficult and that I will lose [it’s] 50% of my salary.
” I live in America and feel the inflation. Everything is more expensive, so I’m worried about money, I’m worried about winning this fight. If it’s Hernandez, if it’s a top-15 [opponent] … I won’t be a hypocrite, of course, that I want to fight a top-15 [opponent] because that will give me more notoriety and I’ll make more money. What matters is to put on a great fight and make money. Then, it’s back to training .”
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Moicano has been unable to fight more than twice in a calendar year since joining the UFC in 2014. The second round submission over Jai Herbert was Moicano’s last octagon fight. Choosing to live in Florida and train at American Top Team is Moicano’s way of saying that he’s betting on a brighter future instead of moving back to Brazil to live what could be a more comfortable live as a UFC fighter today.
” I believe in my dreams, I believe that I can achieve the top. That’s why I am staying in America and going to the best gym, Moicano stated. “I see this as an investment, to live here and spend more money, but having more quality [training]. I bleed for this hard-earned money.
” I can’t play any games,” he said. It’s difficult, but I don’t fight much. I need to fight more. I’m 32 and I’m about to turn 33. I know the window [of opportunity] only gets smaller, so every fight is important in that sense. I need to be healthy, and the UFC should give me fights. I’ve been asking for fights this entire time. I hope I’ll win this fight and come back as soon as possible.”
In an effort to keep active and make some money, Moicano agreed that he would face Chase Hooper, a fellow UFC fighter in a grappling bout in December. The Brazilian won a decision at Fury Pro Grappling 3 and earned $4,500 flat, plus $4,000 in sponsorship money.
“To go there and do an eight-minute match, it’s great money,” he said. I was talking to guys at the gym about the pillow-fighting idea. Looks like people made $5,000 on this. I saw people criticising it, but to hit someone with a pillow three times and make $5,000? Sounds silly, but that can save someone’s entire month. I wouldn’t do it, but you have to jump on the opportunities.”
The UFC lightweight is down for more grappling matches between his actual fights, and he’s completely honest about it: At this point, Moicano is doing everything for the money, as well as a way to “keep me active and the competitive spirit” alive, he adds.
On Saturday, Moicano will aim to get the finish over Hernandez as quickly as possible and maybe pocket an extra $50,000 bonus. The Brazilian fighter has won just two bonuses throughout his 7-4 UFC career, a Performance of the Night check for his submission of Cub Swanson and a Fight of the Night prize following his war with Brian Ortega.
“Houston may be his home, but it will be mine party,” Moicano stated of Hernandez. It doesn’t really matter [I’m going to win]. what happens. “I’m prepared for anything.” I’m more efficient the faster you can do it. I’ll get the job done. This one will end in round .”
, God willing.
