Renato Moicano suffered a tough defeat at UFC 311, losing via first-round submission to Islam Makhachev in their lightweight title bout. Despite showing aggression early, Moicano was unable to counter Makhachev’s elite grappling, falling victim to a D’Arce choke at 4:05 of Round 1.

What’s Next for Renato Moicano?

Renato Moicano remains a formidable competitor in the lightweight division with a well-rounded skill set and significant experience. However, rebounding from this loss will require a strategic approach to regain momentum. A matchup with Michael Chandler could be the perfect opportunity to test his resilience and standing among the top contenders.

Renato Moicano vs. Michael Chandler: A High-Stakes Clash

A fight between Moicano and Chandler offers fans a thrilling stylistic matchup. Moicano’s technical grappling and striking will be pitted against Chandler’s explosive power and wrestling. Both fighters are looking to bounce back from recent setbacks, making this bout a pivotal moment in their careers.

For Moicano, success will hinge on maintaining distance, utilizing his reach advantage, and capitalizing on Chandler’s aggression. Meanwhile, Chandler will aim to close the distance, press the pace, and test Moicano’s chin with his powerful striking.

This fight could serve as a career-defining moment for both athletes, with the winner solidifying their place in the lightweight rankings. Will Moicano’s adaptability prevail, or will Chandler’s explosiveness prove too much to handle?

Renato Moicano: Last 5 Fights

1. Loss vs. Islam Makhachev – Submission (D’Arce choke) at UFC 311 (Jan 18, 2025)
* Struggled against Makhachev’s superior grappling in Round 1.
2. Win vs. Benoît Saint Denis – TKO (doctor stoppage) at UFC Fight Night (Sep 28, 2024)
* Displayed dominance with sharp striking and relentless pressure.
3. Win vs. Jalin Turner – TKO (elbows and punches) at UFC 300 (Apr 13, 2024)
* Showcased his striking and ground control.
4. Win vs. Drew Dober – Decision (unanimous) at UFC Fight Night (Feb 3, 2024)
* Controlled the pace and landed effective combinations.
5. Win vs. Brad Riddell – Submission (rear-naked choke) at UFC 281 (Nov 13, 2022)
* Highlighted his grappling prowess with a quick finish.

Michael Chandler: Last 5 Fights

1. Loss vs. Charles Oliveira – Decision (unanimous) at UFC 309 (Nov 16, 2024)
* Outclassed in a high-paced, five-round battle.
2. Loss vs. Dustin Poirier – Submission (rear-naked choke) at UFC 281 (Nov 12, 2022)
* Fell victim to Poirier’s well-rounded skill set in Round 3.
3. Win vs. Tony Ferguson – KO (front kick) at UFC 274 (May 7, 2022)
* Delivered one of the most spectacular knockouts in UFC history.
4. Loss vs. Justin Gaethje – Decision (unanimous) at UFC 268 (Nov 6, 2021)
* Engaged in a Fight of the Year contender but came up short.
5. Loss vs. Charles Oliveira – TKO (punches) at UFC 262 (May 15, 2021)
* Competitive early but succumbed to Oliveira’s striking in Round 2.