Renato Moicano returned to winning ways in the UFC this weekend following an efficient, albeit bloody submission victory over gym partner Chris Duncan in the Lightweight division at UFC Vegas 115 inside the Meta Apex in Las Vegas on Sunday morning.
The Brazilian looked bright during the early exchanges of the fight, as he checked Duncan’s low kicks while responding with right hands of his own. Following two unsuccessful takedown attempts, Moicano got back to his feet where he found immediate success midway through the first round.
Moicano displayed crisp boxing, particularly with the jab, as Duncan struggled to establish rhythm during the first round which clearly went in Moicano’s favour.
The 36-year-old South American continued to display a sharp jab during the second round and cranked up the intensity of his punches, while both men landed strong shots to begin during the second five minutes.
Then, with Duncan finding a home with an overhand, Moicano replied with a powerful left-hook that saw his gym teammate plunge to the canvas. As Duncan bled, Moicano swarmed over his gym partner before getting his back to engage a deep rear naked choke to secure an impressive victory.
“I knew he was good at striking, I knew he was good at guillotine but I knew if I take his back I’d submit him,” Moicano said in reaction to the bout.
“He is strong but he is slow, I jabbed and kicked his stomach and saw him slow down. In the first round I wasn’t trying to hurt him, I wanted to make him tired and get him worried. I was blocking the punches to get the jabs.
“In the second round, I was so fresh and I said, “I’m gonna jab the F—k out of this guy."
Adding to his victory, Moicano went on to call out big names as he looks to work his way up the Lightweight rankings.
“Dan Hooker, Brian Ortega, Paddy Pimblett, Benoit Saint-Denis, give me any of these guys.”
Also featured at UFC Vegas 115, Virna Jandiroba defeated Tabatha Ricci by unanimous decision across three rounds, as she displayed world class grappling in the Co-main event. ‘Carcara’ has now secured six wins in seven fights in the Women’s Strawweight division.
The Fight of the Night award went to Tommy McMillen v Manolo Zecchini in the Featherweight division, as McMillen commenced his UFC career with an eye-catching first round knockout win.
UFC Fight Night: Moicano v Duncan Main Card results:
Main Event: Renato Moicano defeated Chris Duncan by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:14 of Round 2
Virna Jandiroba defeated Tabatha Ricci by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev defeated Brendson Ribeiro by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:52 of Round 1
Ethyn Ewing defeated Rafael Estevam by TKO (body shot) at 1:44 of Round 3
Tommy McMillen defeated Manolo Zecchini by TKO (strikes) at 3:57 of Round 1
Jose Delano defeated Robert Ruchala by unanimous decision (30-26, 29-27, 29-27)