UFC lightweight contender Renato Moicano recently voiced his discontent with the ambiance at the UFC Apex and firmly opposed the idea of competing there again.
Moicano squared off against No.15-ranked Drew Dober in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 85 this past weekend at the promotion’s Las Vegas headquarters. Despite securing a hard-earned unanimous decision victory after three rounds of intense action, the Brazilian 155-pounder shared his sentiments regarding the UFC Apex.
Emphasizing the electric atmosphere generated by a full crowd, he remarked: “As a fan, I’ve watched many fights at the UFC Apex, and it’s just not the same. For fighters, it feels like more of a training session.”
Moicano continued:
“It felt like a sparring session because of the absence of a crowd. It was also frustrating because of how quiet it was, and the corners could continuously communicate with the referees.”
Renato Moicano has criticized Michael Chandler for what he perceives as a “desperate” pursuit of a bout with Conor McGregor in search of a significant payday.
Chandler and McGregor have been hinting at a potential showdown, but no official date has been confirmed for their matchup. While they served as rival coaches on the latest season of ‘The Ultimate Fighter,’ McGregor’s issues with USADA prevented the fight from materializing.
Chandler has been actively campaigning for the fight on social media, leading Moicano to characterize his efforts as “begging,” which he finds both “hilarious” and “lame.” Speaking to MMA Fighting, the Brazilian expressed his amusement:
“Michael Chandler is so desperate to secure this fight. He’s practically begging for it. He’s almost on his knees, pleading, ‘McGregor, fight me!’ I just find that hilarious… Michael Chandler is really pushing for the fight, and it comes across as kind of lame, in my opinion. But that’s just how it is.”
Moicano unexpectedly found himself drawn into the fray surrounding McGregor’s highly anticipated return to the UFC. ‘The Notorious’ playfully tweeted last month:
