Renato Moicano, born Renato Alves Carneiro, has carved out a unique niche in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). Known not just for his slick Brazilian jiu-jitsu and relentless fighting style, but also for his outspoken libertarian views, viral post-fight speeches, and self-proclaimed “Money” moniker, Moicano has become a fan favorite in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). 

As of August 2025, the 36-year-old lightweight contender continues to make headlines, blending athletic prowess with intellectual commentary on economics, freedom, and cryptocurrency. With a professional record standing at 20 wins, 7 losses, and 1 draw, Moicano’s journey from the streets of Brasília to challenging for the UFC lightweight title exemplifies resilience and ambition.

But Moicano is more than a fighter; he’s a podcaster, Bitcoin advocate, and family man who turned down a six-figure payout from a UFC lawsuit settlement in 2025, citing his belief in free markets. This article dives deep into his life, career, and the questions fans are buzzing about on platforms like Google and YouTube, drawing from the latest available information.

Early Life: From Judo Mats to Law School Dropout

Renato Moicano was born on May 21, 1989, in Brasília, the capital of Brazil. Growing up in a country passionate about combat sports, he was introduced to martial arts at a young age. At just eight years old, Moicano began training in judo, laying the foundation for his grappling expertise. His early years were marked by discipline and competition, but he initially pursued a more conventional path. Moicano enrolled in university with aspirations of becoming a lawyer, attending classes for two years before realizing his true calling lay in MMA.

The nickname “Moicano,” which means “mohawk” in Portuguese, originated during his Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) training days when he sported the edgy hairstyle. It stuck, becoming synonymous with his fighter persona. Moicano earned black belts in both BJJ under Alex Leleco and Muay Thai, honing his skills with teams like Constrictor Team before moving to American Top Team (ATT) in Florida in 2017. This relocation to the U.S. was a pivotal move, allowing him to train alongside elite fighters and adapt to the demands of the UFC.

His decision to drop out of law school wasn’t impulsive; it was driven by a passion for fighting that had been brewing since childhood. In interviews, Moicano has reflected on this choice as a leap of faith, one that paid off as he transitioned from amateur bouts to professional dominance in Brazil’s regional scene.

Breaking into Professional MMA: The Jungle Fight Era

Moicano turned professional in 2010, quickly amassing an undefeated record in his first eight fights across Brazil. Competing primarily in the featherweight division (145 pounds), he showcased a blend of striking and submission skills that made him a standout. His breakthrough came in 2014 when he captured the interim Jungle Fight Featherweight Championship. Facing Ismael Bonfim, Moicano secured a first-round rear-naked choke submission, solidifying his status as one of Brazil’s top prospects.

Jungle Fight, a prominent Brazilian promotion, served as a launching pad for many UFC stars, and Moicano was no exception. His performances caught the eye of UFC scouts, leading to a contract in late 2014. He debuted on short notice at UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Dollaway in December 2014, submitting Tom Niinimäki in the second round. This victory marked the beginning of a UFC career that would span over a decade, filled with highs, lows, and memorable moments.

UFC Career: Featherweight Beginnings and Lightweight Transition

Moicano’s UFC tenure started strong in the featherweight division. His second fight at UFC 198 in 2016 saw him edge out Zubaira Tukhugov via split decision in front of a Brazilian crowd. He followed this with wins over Jeremy Stephens (split decision at UFC on FOX 24 in 2017) and Calvin Kattar (unanimous decision at UFC 223 in 2018). One of his most celebrated victories came against Cub Swanson at UFC 227 in August 2018, where he submitted the veteran via rear-naked choke in the first round, earning a Performance of the Night bonus.

However, setbacks followed. Moicano suffered a third-round guillotine choke loss to Brian Ortega at UFC 214 in 2017, earning Fight of the Night honors in a thrilling contest. He then lost back-to-back fights to José Aldo (TKO at UFC Fight Night 144 in 2019) and Chan Sung Jung (first-round TKO at UFC on ESPN+ 12 in 2019), prompting a move to the lightweight division (155 pounds) in 2020.

The transition proved fruitful. Moicano debuted at lightweight with a 44-second rear-naked choke submission over Damir Hadžović at UFC Fight Night 170. Despite a knockout loss to Rafael Fiziev at UFC 256 in December 2020, he rebounded with a string of submissions, including wins over Jai Herbert (UFC Fight Night 190 in 2021) and Alexander Hernandez (UFC 271 in 2022). A five-round unanimous decision loss to Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 272 in 2022 tested his durability, but he bounced back with a first-round submission of Brad Riddell at UFC 281 later that year.

Notable Fights: Submissions, Wars, and Viral Moments

Moicano’s fighting style is grappling-heavy, with 10 of his 20 wins coming via submission. His ground game, informed by his BJJ black belt, has led to iconic finishes. The Swanson submission in 2018 stands out as a career highlight, showcasing his ability to transition seamlessly from strikes to chokes.

One of his most grueling battles was against Drew Dober at UFC Fight Night: Dolidze vs. Imavov in February 2024, where he secured a unanimous decision victory after a back-and-forth war. At UFC 300 in April 2024, Moicano stopped Jalin Turner with strikes in the second round, proving his striking had evolved alongside his grappling.

His September 2024 main event against Benoît Saint-Denis at UFC Paris was a doctor-stoppage TKO win in the second round due to a gruesome cut on Saint-Denis. In the post-fight interview, Moicano went viral again, criticizing French President Emmanuel Macron and recommending Hans-Hermann Hoppe’s book “Democracy: The God That Failed.” These speeches have become his trademark, blending fight analysis with political rants.

Recent Fights: Title Shot and Setbacks in 2025

2025 brought Moicano’s biggest opportunity yet. Originally scheduled to face Beneil Dariush at UFC 311 on January 18, 2025, he stepped in on one day’s notice to challenge lightweight champion Islam Makhachev after Arman Tsarukyan withdrew due to injury. The fight at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, ended in the first round with Makhachev submitting Moicano via D’arce choke. Despite the loss, Moicano earned praise for his courage and reportedly a hefty payday—rumored around $200,000 base plus bonuses for the short-notice title shot.  

The rescheduled Dariush fight occurred at UFC 317 on June 28, 2025, in Las Vegas. Moicano lost by unanimous decision (28-29 across the board), marking his second straight defeat. He struggled with Dariush’s low kicks and grappling dominance, though he landed a late first-round knockdown. At 36, these losses have sparked discussions about his future, but Moicano remains vocal about wanting another title run.  As of August 2025, no next fight is scheduled, but rumors swirl about potential matchups like Paddy Pimblett or a return to Brazil for UFC Rio on October 11, 2025. Moicano has expressed interest in facing veterans or rising stars to climb back into contention.

Personal Life: Family, Grappling Side Hustle, and Beyond the Octagon

Away from the cage, Moicano leads a grounded life. He’s married to Priscila Van Der Broocke, a fellow MMA fighter who debuted in the UFC in 2017. The couple, both 36, welcomed their son in 2020. Priscila, known for her own competitive spirit, has been a supportive partner, often sharing training insights and family moments on social media. Moicano has dabbled in grappling competitions, winning by unanimous decision against Chase Hooper at Fury Pro Grappling 3 in 2021 and on points against Cristian Guzman at UFC Fight Pass Invitational 7 in 2024. These ventures showcase his BJJ roots and keep him sharp between UFC bouts.

Political Views and Activism: Mises, Bitcoin, and Free Markets

Moicano’s post-fight interviews often steal the show. A self-proclaimed libertarian, he frequently shouts out Austrian economist Ludwig von Mises, urging fans to read “Six Lessons” from the Austrian School of Economics. His interest stemmed from frustration with taxes on UFC earnings, leading him to advocate for limited government, the U.S. Constitution, gun rights, and private property. In 2024, he went viral for promoting Bitcoin as protection against inflation, partnering with Kraken exchange. 

Fox Business highlighted his speeches, dubbing him a “Bitcoin enthusiast.” At UFC Paris in 2024, he bashed “globalists” and democracy, recommending Hoppe’s book. In July 2025, Moicano rejected a $200,000 payout from the UFC antitrust lawsuit settlement, calling it “socialist” and emphasizing free markets. This drew criticism from figures like Brendan Schaub but earned respect from libertarian circles.

Net Worth and Earnings: Making Money the Moicano Way

Moicano’s net worth is estimated at $2 million as of 2025. His UFC earnings total around $725,000 from base purses, with notable paydays including $200,000+ for the Makhachev fight. Bonuses like Performance of the Night add up, and endorsements from Kraken and Pacific Legal Foundation contribute. He also earns from his podcast and YouTube, though exact figures aren’t public. Despite his “Money” nickname, Moicano turned down the lawsuit money in 2025, prioritizing principles over cash. His financial philosophy, influenced by Mises, emphasizes Bitcoin investments for wealth preservation.

Future in the UFC: Legacy and What’s Next

At 36, Moicano’s window for another title shot is narrowing, but his four-fight win streak from 2022-2024 showed he’s still elite. He wants “money and respect,” as stated in a 2025 UFC interview, and has called out names like Michael Chandler for a “retirement fight.” With UFC Rio approaching, a homecoming bout could reignite his momentum. Moicano’s legacy extends beyond wins: he’s the fighter who brought economics to the octagon, inspiring fans to read Mises while delivering exciting performances. Whether he captures gold or continues as a vocal contender, Renato “Money” Moicano remains one of MMA’s most engaging figures.

FAQs

What is his pro record (latest)?

As of the most recent official fight reports (June 2025), public fight databases list Moicano around 20 wins, 7 losses, 1 draw (records vary slightly by source as they update after each event). Always check official UFC / Sherdog / UFCStats pages for the canonical, real-time record. 

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Who did he fight most recently and what happened?

At UFC 317 (June 28, 2025) Renato Moicano faced Beneil Dariush; reports show Dariush won by unanimous decision in a tactical lightweight bout. Earlier in 2025 he had a high-profile match at UFC 311 against Islam Makhachev (Makhachev won). These recent results have influenced his placement in the lightweight ranks.

What is his fighting style and strengths?

Moicano is a BJJ black belt with a measured, technical approach, excellent guard work, submissions and positional control combined with improved striking (Muay Thai and boxing elements). He tends to mix takedown setups with slick submissions rather than reckless brawling; his corner work and fight IQ are often highlighted by commentators.

Has he won any notable bonuses or awards?

Across his UFC tenure Moicano has earned performance-style recognition for slick submission wins and strong outings; specifics (Fight-of-the-Night, Performance-of-the-Night) should be checked per event because bonuses are awarded per card. Historical highlights include several high-profile UFC wins that boosted his profile.

In Summary

Renato Moicano has carved out a reputation as one of the UFC’s most respected lightweights, combining elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with calculated striking and a high fight IQ. From his early days in Brazil to competing against top contenders in the UFC, Moicano’s journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and technical mastery inside the Octagon. While he has yet to capture a UFC title, his victories over seasoned opponents and his willingness to face elite competition continue to keep him relevant in the lightweight conversation.

Outside the cage, Moicano is known for his outspoken personality, memorable post-fight interviews, and candid views on politics and economics, making him stand out beyond just his performances. With his recent fights against top-ranked names, fans are eager to see how he bounces back and whether he can climb higher in the rankings.

For fight enthusiasts, Renato Moicano represents the balance of discipline, technique, and charisma of a fighter who not only competes but also connects with fans through authenticity and passion. As the UFC lightweight division remains one of the most competitive, Moicano’s next steps will be closely watched by both analysts and fans worldwide.

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