Renato Moicano Eyes Open Market Ahead Of Tom Nolan Fight At UFC Vegas 123

Renato Moicano Eyes Free Agency Before Tom Nolan Fight© Instagram

Renato Moicano wants to find out what life beyond his current UFC contract could offer. First, he has Tom Nolan waiting for him Saturday at Meta APEX in Las Vegas.

The Brazilian lightweight has been discussing free agency ahead of their UFC Vegas 123 main event, saying he intends to complete his remaining fights before deciding whether to sign again. Staying is an option, but the next offer would have to make financial sense for a veteran who has other businesses and is thinking about how much longer he wants to compete.

Moicano Wants To Finish His Deal Before Deciding

“I want to fight this deal out for sure,” Moicano told MMA Fighting.

He has interests outside the cage, including a YouTube channel, a gym and fighter management work in Brazil. He also mentioned boxing and media opportunities while discussing his growing popularity back home. That does not mean he has chosen another promotion or decided to leave mixed martial arts. His comments leave room for another UFC deal if the money is right, as well as the possibility that he finishes this contract and stops fighting.

At Wednesday's pre-fight news conference, Moicano said he had two fights remaining. Earlier reporting from his MMA Fighting interview had put the number at three.

His immediate aim is less uncertain. He wants to beat Nolan, then land a prominent opponent for the next outing. He even floated Ilia Topuria as a possible matchup, although that was Moicano's suggestion rather than an announced booking.The timing matters at home, too. His wife is expecting twins in December, and he wanted to compete before taking time away.

Nolan Brings Five Straight Wins Into His First Headliner

Moicano returned to winning form in April by submitting Chris Duncan in the second round. That ended consecutive defeats against Islam Makhachev and Beneil Dariush, the former coming in his short-notice lightweight title challenge at UFC 311. Nolan has won five straight since losing his UFC debut to Nikolas Motta. The Australian's latest victory came against Fares Ziam by unanimous decision, and Saturday brings his first UFC main event. Moicano described Nolan as a capable striker and grappler at Wednesday's media appearance, rather than treating the matchup as an easy payday.

This assignment followed another canceled meeting with Brian Ortega. After Ortega withdrew from UFC 331 because of injury, the UFC moved Moicano into the October 31 headliner against Nolan.

The main card streams on Paramount+ at 8 p.m. Eastern. Prelims start at 5 p.m.