Tom Nolan Reveals How He Manifested UFC Dream Fight Against Renato Moicano

Tom Nolan reveals the wild thought process behind his Renato Moicano fight.© NDTV Photo Library

Tom Nolan says his UFC Fight Night main event against Renato Moicano is the result of manifestation. The Australian lightweight called out Moicano after his win over Fares Ziam in June. The fighters will face off against each other in a five-round headliner at UFC Vegas 123 in Las Vegas on Saturday. Nolan comes into the fight with a professional record of 11-1 and a record of 5-1 inside the octagon, with five straight wins. The fighter has won five straight bouts following a first-round TKO loss to Nikolas Motta in his promotional debut back in January 2024. Nolan is currently ranked No. 12 at lightweight and has not lost since that defeat. Moicano, 37, is 21-7-1 and 13-7 in the UFC. The Brazilian has won four of his last five fights and will be making the first defence of his position in the lightweight title conversation.

Nolan explains how the Moicano fight came together

"It's manifestation." Nolan stated to MMA Junkie, "I called him out. The Ortega fight got put together. I was like, 'Oh, that sucks.'

Tom Nolan had initially been linked with a fight against Brian Ortega, but that bout did not come together. He said he accepted the matchup on a week's notice because he believed Ortega might withdraw, though the fight ultimately did not happen.

He stressed, "Fighting a legend and a hero of mine growing up is a cool thing. But ultimately, it's the ranking I'm coming for. It's the progression of my career. When we're in there on Saturday, it's not going to matter who's in front of me. ... He's one of the heroes for sure.”  

The extra preparation time has worked in Nolan's favour. He said he is now better prepared for Moicano and sees the Brazilian as one of the best fighters in the lightweight division.

Unlike many UFC callouts, Nolan's interest in Renato Moicano is built on respect rather than rivalry. “I still think he's world-class,” Nolan said. “I wouldn't have called him out if I thought he was a shell of himself.”

Nolan's knockout power faces Moicano's veteran experience

Tom Nolan debuted in the UFC in January 2024 and got knocked out in the first round by Nikolas Motta. However, since then, he has won against Victor Martinez, Nikolas Motta, Viacheslav Borshchev, and Ziam, with three out of the four victories being knockouts.

His latest victory came against Ziam at UFC Vegas 118 in June, when he secured a unanimous decision. Ziam had entered that fight on a six-fight winning streak.

Renato Moicano presents a different kind of challenge. The Brazilian has competed for the UFC lightweight title. He has won over Brad Riddell, Drew Dober and Benoit Saint-Denis, and brings far more big-fight experience than anyone Nolan has faced.

The bout gives Nolan a chance to break into the lightweight top 10. For Moicano, it is a chance to prove he remains a contender while also strengthening his position ahead of potential contract talks.