Renato Moicano

Renato Moicano: The Mohawked Warrior

Renato Alves Carneiro, known as Renato Moicano, is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist born on May 21, 1989. Competing in the UFC lightweight division, his journey from judo to MMA has been nothing short of remarkable.

From Judo to Jiu-Jitsu

Imagine a young boy with a passion for martial arts, training judo at just eight years old. This is where Renato Moicano’s journey began. But his path was not straightforward; he even attended university before deciding to drop out and pursue MMA full-time.

The Mohawked Warrior

Renato’s mohawk, a symbol of his unique identity, earned him the nickname ‘Moicano,’ which means ‘mohawk’ in Portuguese. This name has become synonymous with his fighting spirit and tenacity.

Early Successes

With an undefeated professional record in eight fights, Renato faced Ismael Bonfim for the interim Jungle Fight Featherweight Championship. The fight was a testament to his skills as he won via rear naked choke submission in the first round.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship

In 2014, Renato signed with the UFC and has since competed in several bouts, including wins over Tom Niinimäki, Jeremy Stephens, Calvin Kattar, and Cub Swanson. His performance at UFC 227 earned him a performance of the night bonus for his submission win over Cub Swanson.

Challenges and Triumphs

Renato’s career has been filled with ups and downs. He faced Aldo, Jung, Hadžović, and Mustafaev, winning some fights but losing others. His resilience is evident in his victories over Herbert and Hernandez via rear naked choke.

A Title Contender

As of October 29, 2024, Renato Moicano holds the #10 ranking in the UFC lightweight division. He was originally scheduled to face Beneil Dariush on January 18, 2025, at UFC 311 but replaced Arman Tsarukyan and is now set to challenge Islam Makhachev for the title.

Recent Wins

In December 2021, Renato defeated Chase Hooper via unanimous decision at Fury Pro Grappling 3. He also won against Cristian Guzman on May 15, 2024. These victories have solidified his position as a formidable fighter in the lightweight division.

A Father and an Advocate

Renato is not just a fighter; he’s a father to one son born in 2020. He has also become known for his advocacy of Austrian economics and cryptocurrency, appearing on Fox Business in 2024.

Awards and Recognition

Renato was honored with the Fan’s Choice Comeback of the Year award at the 2024 UFC Honors Awards. This recognition is a testament to his dedication and hard work in the sport.

Renato Moicano’s journey is a story of perseverance, passion, and dedication. From his early days in judo to his current status as one of the top fighters in the UFC lightweight division, Renato has proven that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.