Renato Moicano plans to walk away from MMA after his current UFC contract runs out.
The Brazilian lightweight told Ariel Helwani on Monday that three fights remain on his deal and he will not re-sign with the promotion afterward, according to MMA Mania. Moicano lost the UFC Halloween main event to Tom Nolan on Saturday but said the controversial finish has not changed his thinking. He intends to pursue influencer boxing bouts instead of extending his run with the organization.
The 35-year-old cited Tony Ferguson's lengthy skid as something he wants to avoid. Moicano referenced Ferguson's age and recent record as proof that staying too long carries real costs. He also said the UFC is unlikely to offer him sufficient money to continue.
Moicano held back control over Nolan in Round 2 at UFC Halloween before a referee standup reset the action to the feet. Nolan finished Moicano with ground strikes the following round. Despite the unusual officiating, Moicano told Helwani he has made peace with the loss and is thinking about his future outside the cage.
"Sometimes you have to realize when you're done," Moicano said during the interview. He added that his interest in competing at the highest level has faded and that influencer boxing offers a path to revenue without the physical toll of elite MMA.
Moicano holds a 20-7-1 record across lightweight and featherweight since joining UFC in 2014. His next opponent has not been announced.
Original reporting:
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