The lightweight division is a battleground between stubborn veterans and prodigious new blood. Renato Moicano and Tom Nolan join the fray at UFC Fight Night on Saturday, taking place at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas.
Moicano (21-7-1) demanded money fights after dispatching hungry prospect Chris Duncan in April. Brian Ortega offered exactly what Moicano wanted, however, two "T-City" withdrawals left "Money" Moicano empty-handed. Uninterested in booking Ortega a third time, Moicano made the financially wise but competitively risky choice to headline opposite another eager contender.
"I'm Still in the Game"
"They offered the Nolan fight on the same card, and I said, 'Let's do a main event.' I have respect for Tom Nolan, and I think he needs time to have a camp," Moicano told CBS Sports. "It's one thing to beat him on one week's notice. I gave him that chance to be better prepared for this fight."
"It's one thing beating Brian Ortega coming out of three losses or four losses," he said earlier in the interview. "Another thing is beating a 26-year-old guy coming off five wins, knockouts, and all that stuff. Very good. So, I think that shows that I'm still in the game."
Nolan's Opportunity
Nolan (11-1) has not lost sight of the opportunity ahead of him. Quillan Salkilld, Paddy Pimblett and Salahdine Parnasse are among the young stars replacing the longstanding lightweight elite. Nolan can be part of a changing tide in the division by knocking off Moicano, whom he grew up watching.
He is also uniquely equipped, having studied Moicano's win over Benoit Saint Denis as he prepared for his breakout fight against Fares Ziam.
"The way he used the body triangle to go between mount and back mount. I just thought it was a beautiful way to keep his hips facing the floor at all times," Nolan told CBS Sports. "There are only a few examples of it at a really high level to study, and you know, I'm a big believer in keeping up with the times and studying the sport."
Using Moicano's Moves Against Him
There is no better way to honor a fighting legend than to take them out. If Nolan has it his way, he will utilize some of Moicano's signature moves against him.
"Ground and pound. Some elbows would be very nice. Just slicing and dicing would be sick," Nolan said. "He's very good at that. I'd love to do that to him."
