Renato Moicano’s UFC Loss Sparks Fan Fury After Dan Miragliotta’s Controversial Call

Renato Moicano says crowd booing influenced UFC Vegas 123 stand-up.© NDTV Photo Library

Renato Moicano believes crowd booing played a major role in referee Dan Miragliotta's controversial decision to stand up for his UFC Vegas 123. Moicano had back control with a body triangle in the second round when Miragliotta reset the action. That allowed Tom Nolan to regain momentum and eventually score a third-round TKO. The Brazilian, speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, said referees are human and can be affected by the arena atmosphere. He stopped short of claiming he would have won but insisted the stand-up was wrong because he had earned a difficult position.

Moicano questions the referee's judgement

Renato Moicano said the crowd had already booed during the first round, and the reaction continued while he controlled Nolan in the second. He suggested Miragliotta may have wanted to give spectators more entertainment after a grappling-heavy stretch.

“I think people booing. You say that doesn't play a factor, but I think it does,” Moicano said. “I think it does a huge factor, especially referees, because they are human, and they are susceptible to emotions.”

He added that his first reaction was disbelief. “What the (expletive) is going on?” he recalled thinking before trying to refocus on the fight. "Focus on the fight. Don't let this distract you.' But in the end I was a little bit surprised," he said.

McCarthy accuses Miragliotta of giving Nolan an unfair advantage

Former referee John McCarthy also criticised the call. He argued that Renato Moicano had worked for back control and should not have been stood up merely because the action appeared slow.

McCarthy said Miragliotta may have wanted to generate more striking exchanges, but that creating excitement is not part of an official's responsibility. He said the reset gave Tom Nolan a major advantage and put Moicano at a disadvantage.

Nolan quickly hurt Moicano after the stand-up, then finished him with punches and elbows at 1:28 of Round 3. The Australian improved to 12-1 and secured his sixth consecutive UFC win in his first main event.

Moicano moves on after painful UFC loss

Moicano has said he will not appeal the result. He fell to 21-8-1 and now faces questions over his next move after a damaging stoppage loss.

Nolan said he simply followed the referee's instruction to stand up. The 26-year-old Australian will take the momentum from the win. Even as the officiating decision remains controversial among fighters, analysts and fans.