Renato Moicano

It was nice to see Moicano bounce back from his back-to-back losses from last year. He was on a hot streak before running into Islam Makhachev and dropping the ball against Beneil Dariush. A win here doesn’t propel him back to the front of the line, but it does put him back on track. I wouldn’t be against booking the Paddy Pimblett fight, which seemed to be next when Moicano defeated Benoit Saint Denis back in 2024. For now, I think rebooking the Brian Ortega rematch is the right call.

Moicano’s next fight: Brian Ortega

Virna Jandiroba

It will be difficult for Jandiroba to fight her back into title contention, but if she was to do it, it had to start with a win on Saturday. Knowing Loopy Godinez has already lost to Mackenzie Dern, I’m doubtful that she would get the next shot even with a win at UFC 327. So if Godinez is victorious next Saturday, I believe she will have to face Jandiroba next. If Tatiana Suarez gets her hand raised, I think she will earn her shot, meaning Jandiroba will most likely face Gillian Robertson in the meantime. I think the Brazilian’s next bout will be determined by the result of the upcoming Suarez/Godinez bout.

Jandiroba’s next fight: Loopy Godinez (if victorious at UFC 327) or Gillian Robertson

Abdul-Rahman Yakhyaev

Judging by the way he fights, the 25-year-old light-heavyweight clearly understands that he isn’t paid by the hour. At this age, Yakhyaev should be focused on getting as many reps in the octagon as he can so as to sharpen his skills before having the face the top of the division. With his fighting style, he’s in and out so quickly that he doesn’t absorb a lot of damage, which should allow him to jump back into the cage fairly quickly. I think the promotion should look to keep sending him fighters who create car crashes to test Yakhyaev’s ability to work his way through them. Someone like Ibo Aslan perfectly fits that description.

Yakhyaev’s next fight: Ibo Aslan

Ethyn Ewing

After upsetting the highly touted Malcolm Wellmaker on short notice at Madison Square Garden, Ethyn Ewing has now taken the ‘0’ off Rafael Estevam. Ewing has gone from unknown prospect to hyped contender in just two UFC outings. I think the promotion should try and make the most out of the momentum he has garnered in just five and a half months. Giving him someone like Bryce Mitchell not only keeps testing Ewing’s skills, but also gives him the opportunity to beat a known name.

Ewing’s next fight: Bryce Mitchell

Tommy McMillen

Who’s to say what Tommy McMillen’s true ceiling is? But for now, the young American seems to fit the action-oriented approach that the promotion has clearly been favoring in this new Paramount era. The UFC should try to find fighters who will indulge McMillen in his firefight type of style without being too challenging. There are a few names like this at featherweight, I settled on John Yannis.

McMillen’s next fight: John Yannis

Jose Delano

Jose Delano had a fairly impressive showing in his promotional debut, outstriking the former two-time KSW champion Robert Ruchala 107 to 67. He landed 62% of his strikes, while limiting Ruchala to just 33% striking accuracy. Any name could be thrown at Delano, but I think the returnee Kai Kamaka III, who was victorious in the card’s opening bout, who make for a fun scrap.

Delano’s next fight: Kai Kamaka III

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The two lightweights were sharing time at American Top Team during preparation for the fight. Duncan didn’t shy away from their history in the lead-up, openly admitting that Moicano had gotten better of him in the gym before.

Still, Duncan made it clear this would be a different test, entering the bout determined to prove how far he had come over the last five years and that he was no longer the same fighter Moicano once bested on the practice mats.

Renato Moicano took the center of the octagon to begin round one, Duncan taking the outside, peppering the lead leg of Moicano. After about the third leg kick from “The Problem”, Moicano had begun downloading information, now timing up Duncan’s next attempt with a straight punch, sending the Scottish fighter to the cage. Moicano continued to punish Chris Duncan as he targeted his front leg, checking back-to-back kicks, turning defense into offense.

Duncan landed a stellar high kick halfway through the round, starting to get comfortable on the feet after denying a few takedown attempts from Renato Moicano. Though the success was short-lived for Duncan, as Moicano’s hands got going late, taking an overwhelming lead on the volume in round one.

Round two started with a much more violent Duncan, the Scottish lightweight meeting the Brazilian with a stiff straight right followed by an exchange of hooks.

Though perhaps Chris Duncan was too aggressive, as Renato Moicano landed a short left hook right on the chin of Duncan, sending him to one knee as the Brazilian rushed in to take advantage of the dominant position on the ground.

Work ensued as the jiu-jitsu specialist Moicano got to the back of the labored Chris Duncan, quickly finding the choke (ruled a face crank).

Renato Moicano gets back on track with this one, claiming the throne at American Top Team, protecting his ranking, and moving to 13-7 under the UFC banner. Post-fight, he ripped off a blistering speech full of f-bombs while citing his faith in Jesus, addressed the election in his native Brazil, asked for a big fight next while threatening retirement, and said ‘f*ck the fans’ when told he was a fan favorite before asking that they nevertheless follow him on Youtube.

A very “Money” Moicano speech.

Wouldn’t be a Moicano win without a Moicano speech #UFCVegas115 pic.twitter.com/W7Ah2Ayghj

— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) April 5, 2026

Official Result: Renato Moicano def. Chris Duncan by submission (face crank), Round 2, 3:14

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The under-the-radar Fight Night card arrives one week after arguably the most entertaining event of the year, UFC Seattle, and a week prior to UFC 327, where Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg collide for the light heavyweight title vacated by Alex Pereira.

Headlined by Renato Moicano and Chris Duncan at lightweight, UFC Vegas 115 admittedly lacks a significant amount of star power. Arguably the biggest story attached to the event thus far has been the fact that when the headliner was announced, Moicano hadn’t even signed his contract.

That said, “Money” Moicano has been a consistent entertainer, and in the co-main event, Virna Jandiroba and Tabatha Ricci battle in a fight that could produce a future strawweight title challenger.

Weigh-ins for UFC Vegas 115 kick off Friday at 12PM ET, 9AM PT. Results can be found below.

UFC Vegas 115: Moicano vs. Duncan Weigh-In Results

Main card

Lightweight: Renato Moicano (156) vs. Chris Duncan (156)
Women’s Strawweight: Virna Jandiroba (116) vs. Tabatha Ricci (115.5)
Light Heavyweight: Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev (206) vs. Brendson Ribeiro (205.5)
Bantamweight: Ethyn Ewing (135.5) vs. Rafael Estevam (136.5)*
Featherweight: Tommy McMillen (145.5) vs. Manolo Zecchini (145)
Featherweight: José Mauro Delano (144.5) vs. Robert Ruchała (146)

Preliminary card

Heavyweight: Guilherme Pat (250.5) vs. Thomas Petersen (251)
Flyweight: Alessandro Costa (125.5) vs. Stewart Nicoll (126)
Lightweight: Lando Vannata (156) vs. Darrius Flowers (156.5)*
Women’s Bantamweight: Alice Pereira (136) vs. Hailey Cowan (136)
Middleweight: Azamat Bekoev (186) vs. Tresean Gore (185.5)
Women’s Flyweight: Dione Barbosa (126) vs. Melissa Gatto (125.5)
Lightweight: Kai Kamaka III (155) vs. Dakota Hope (155)

* Missed Weight

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“I never thought that I would fight somebody from American Top Team, but it happens. Then I just have to be cordial. Respectful. I respect him,” Moicano told reporters on Wednesday.

“I don’t have nothing against him. I just want to win. I want to win the fight, and I have no bad blood at all. Don’t get me wrong, I go over there to finish him.”

Moicano (20-7-1) recognizes this bout as a must-win to avoid a three-fight losing streak. With the lightweight division as deep as ever, another setback could significantly impact his standing and future opportunities in the promotion.

“That makes sense. I’m coming off two losses in-a-row. I think last time I was in this situation was when I lost to Korean Zombie and Jose Aldo. That was very hard for me,” he said.

“So definitely I need to win right now.”

Moicano was supposed to face Brian Ortega in March, but the latter withdrew from the bout due to what he describe as “nagging injuries.” Regardless Moicano still hopes the fight materializes.

“I would like Ortega 100%, but we don’t know what happened to him,” he said.

“UFC doesn’t disclose what happened to him. If I beat Chris Duncan on Saturday, and they want to make Ortega like in 2-3 months, 100%.”

Watch the entire media day scrum with Renato Moicano above. He faces Chris Duncan at UFC Vegas 115 on Saturday night.

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Duncan (15-2) said both fighters remained at the same gym throughout camp, albeit training separately, and emphasized there was no tension between them as they prepared for the bout.

“Yeah he was in the same gym. We were in the sauna together. A lot of people don’t get what I’m doing, what me and Moicano do. We have so much respect for each other. It’s going to be fighting,” Duncan told reporters on Wednesday.

“Whoever wins, wins, and people can’t fathom that.”

American Top Team typically isn’t fond of teammates fighting one another, no gym really is, but Duncan acknowledged the reality of the sport. When two top fighters in the same division are chasing the same goal, a matchup can sometimes become unavoidable.

“They obviously don’t like it, but you know how big the UFC is. It just sometimes has to happen. They’ve done this millions of times and they understand it’s business at the end of the day. I’m very fortunate to have ATT be able to work like that,” he said.

“There was no picking and choosing the better fighter, or who gets this and who gets that. Straight down the middle. Everybody gets the same opportunity.”

Watch the entire media day scrum with Chris Duncan above. He faces Renato Moicano in the main event bout of UFC Vegas 115 on Saturday night.

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The problem? According to the Brazilian lightweight, he hadn’t actually signed the contract.

UFC officials announced the headlining bout during the UFC Houston broadcast. Moicano later issued video of himself reacting, with surprise, to the announcement.

Given Moicano’s status as a company man, it’s likely the fight moves ahead, though it’s another embarrassing hiccup for the UFC. Nor is it the first time the promotion has announced a fight prior to both parties signing. A similar situation befell Al Iaquinta ahead of his fight with Bobby Green (now King Green), for one.

Assuming the fight does happen as planned, it finds Moicano (20-7-1) looking to bounce back from a pair of losses, albeit it with one coming against Islam Makhachev in a short-notice title fight early last year. After falling to Makhachev, Moicano dropped a decision to Beneil Dariush at UFC 317 in June.

Scotland’s Chris Duncan (15-2) has won four straight, most recently dispatching Terrance McKinney via Anaconda choke this past December.

UFC Vegas 115 takes place on April 4, 2026 at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. The following fights have been reported for the Fight Night card:

• Renato Moicano vs. Chris Duncan
• Ethyn Ewing vs. Rafael Estevam
• Tofiq Musayev vs. Samuel Sanches
• José Mauro Delano vs. Robert Ruchała
• Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Park Jun-yong
• Guilherme Pat vs. Thomas Petersen
• Alessandro Costa vs. Stewart Nicoll
• Alice Pereira vs. Hailey Cowan
• Virna Jandiroba vs. Tabatha Ricci
• Dione Barbosa vs. Melissa Gatto
• Azamat Bekoev vs. Tresean Gore
• Tommy McMillen vs. Manolo Zecchini

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Ortega, a former featherweight title challenger in the UFC, confirmed the rumors in a video statement posted on social media on Friday. It appears nagging injuries that have been piling up are the reason for the withdrawal.

“Obviously the news is coming out that no longer am I fighting on March 7 in Vegas. I’m okay, health is good, no surgeries, nothing crazy like that, but I do need to take a little bit, some time off to nurse these injuries that I have right now,” said Ortega in Friday’s video statement, addressed to fans and supporters. “It just sucks, where it’s not crazy like that, where I don’t need to have surgery, but I have to rest it and let it heal and chill and get some physical therapy. I’m going to be on that mission, so that’s it.”

Ortega, whose career has been halted several times due to injury, remained optimistic about fighting in 2026 as a whole.

“It’s just a little bit delayed, nothing crazy. I’m still planning on fighting twice this year, so look out.”

Ortega hasn’t won a fight since February of 2024 and is on a two-fight skid, which he was hoping to snap against Moicano, who started 2025 with a short notice title fight opposite then-lightweight champ Islam Makhachev.

It remains to be seen if Moicano gets a replacement opponent, but with the card over a month away, it shouldn’t be too hard.

UFC 326 takes place on March 7, 2026 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. It’s headlined by a “BMF” title fight between Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira.

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In a bout announced by the promotion on Saturday, Renato Moicano (20-7-1) is set to take on Brian Ortega (16-5, 1NC) for the second time.

Journalist Léo Walker Guimaraes had previously reported the pairing. The card takes place on March 7, 2026 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The pair first met in 2017 ten pounds down at featherweight, when Ortega submitted Moicano with a guillotine choke as part of UFC 214. It was Moicano’s first loss as a professional.

Since then, Moicano has gone on to fight for lightweight gold, albeit as a short-notice replacement. Following that bout, which saw him submitted by then-champ Islam Makhachev, the Brazilian dropped a follow-up against Beneil Dariush.

As for Ortega, the former featherweight title challenger has struggled with injuries, his weight (forcing the move to 155lbs), and has lost his last two fights against Aljamain Sterling and Diego Lopes.

While Ortega is unranked in the lightweight division, Renato Moicano sits at #10.

UFC 326 is headlined by a “BMF” title fight, as Max Holloway puts his belt on the line against former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. The following match-ups have been reported/announced for the March card, which will air on Paramount+ in the U.S.:

• Max Holloway (c) vs. Charles Oliveira — For the symbolic UFC “BMF” championship
• Caio Borralho vs. Reinier de Ridder
• Renato Moicano vs. Brian Ortega
• Paulo Costa vs. Brunno Ferreira
• Cody Garbrandt vs. Xiao Long
• Rafael Tobias vs. Diyar Nurgozhay
• Cody Durden vs. Nyamjargal Tumendemberel

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UFC White House

The 4th of July – America’s holiday that represents breaking away from the old system and fostering the growth of the new one. The birth of a nation that forged a new identity. What part of any of that is relatable to Jon Jones and Conor McGregor? It would be best for the UFC to use this monumental event to market their rising stars and forge their future.

MMA Media does a great job of keeping the careers of McGregor and Jones alive. It has been months since Dana White has gone out of his way to speak on them. Only responding to questions regarding the former champions. The pair is having more notable events outside of competition than in over the last several years (It has been over 5 years since Conor McGregor has even had a win.)

Their negative public image and unreliability make them poor choices to represent such a historic occasion. Besides, they only represent more of what we already know and don’t appeal to anyone to make time on the holiday to watch instead of Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest or attend a barbecue. If you aren’t sold on this assessment, ask yourself this question: When was the last time you heard someone ask with anticipation when Conor or Jones is fighting again?

Represent the Stars and Stripes with Stars and FIGHTS

There is a wealth of talent on the UFC roster to match the White House. Talent that will both satisfy the usual consumer as well as attract new ones, tuning in for the landmark night in the industry. With recent (and unwarranted) criticism of the lack of stars in MMA, there is no brighter spotlight than Independence Day fireworks to expose their athletes. Here are a few names that are meant to fight on this card.

Jared Cannonier

With a “who’s who” of names on his resume of opponents, Jared Cannonier has proven easy to match in highly anticipated fights. But it’s not only his ability as a world-class fighter and fierce competitor that makes “The Killa Gorilla” belong on the UFC White House. Cannonier is a retired veteran who served 3 years in the U.S. Army before launching his MMA career and becoming a title challenger.

One could argue it’s a requirement to have a U.S. military veteran on a fight night that celebrates the birth of our nation. We owe them our freedom, and they deserve to be represented at such an event. It just makes it easier that Jared is one of the best middleweights in the world.

Renato Moicano

Even though he’s ranked 12th in the Lightweight division, you must be wondering why a Brazilian fighter makes the list. With a large tool shed of ability for exciting fights, it’s just the bang needed in D.C. that night. Also, there isn’t a fighter currently on the roster who speaks more highly of the United States than “Money” Moicano.

What would be better than an immigrant speaking all week in the press about how they made a life for themselves here? He is the epitome of the American Dream.

Ramiz Brahimaj

A rising star in the welterweight division, Brahimaj shows growth in his game every time he sets foot in the cage. This is a 5-tool athlete that blends striking and grappling with the elite. Always ready, always game — Ramiz is the kind of underdog who steals the show. His charisma on the microphone comes from confidence in his ability and graciousness for the opportunity to be a UFC fighter (A little New York swag doesn’t hurt!).

With unlimited potential and fight IQ, he’s the perfect candidate to show who’s hustling the grind today with the drive and power to be on top tomorrow.

Kayla Harrison

From the small town of Middletown, Ohio, Kayla has become one of the greatest combat sports athletes this country has ever had. She represented the USA in the Olympics on two occasions and returned home with the gold on both. Her message of hard work trumps (no pun intended) all, and is one that everyone can get behind and bring prime energy to the event.

A former Olympian- current champion would make the perfect fighter to headline the event. It would be a huge mistake not to have her on a 4th of July card.

Conclusion

UFC White House doesn’t need Jon Jones or Conor McGregor. In fact, it would hurt the brand’s opportunity to showcase other stars by having the undercard in their shadow. This is the perfect time to showcase the depth of their roster and send the message they’re moving forward from the old guard.

The fourth of July is when America broke away from Great Britain and eventually took its place as the world’s superpower. This could be the same turning point for the UFC. Who are some of the fighters you want to see at UFC White House?

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Charles Oliveira

Illia Topuria took just one round to KO Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC lightweight title in the main event of UFC 317 on Saturday. Charles has now gone 3-3 in his last six fights since losing the belt in March of 2022 (as a result of missing weight ahead of his victory over Justin Gaethje). Saturday was a humbling showing for Charles as it was the first time UFC fans have seen him flatlined in 15 years and 35 fights with the promotion. Charles turns 36 later this year and could face whispers from the fan base of considering retirement.

However, Oliveira’s next matchup has a lot to do with what direction UFC brass want to go in as well as a couple of fight outcomes. Oliveira would be an excellent litmus test for a fighter like Paddy Pimblett who is currently ranked at #8 in the lightweight division. Many have debated whether Paddy has truly faced elite level competition on his ascent thru the rankings. Oliveira would offer just that.

However, a matchup against a former featherweight like Max Holloway would also draw a lot of fans. And both fighters are now at similar stages of their careers with their shared fight outcomes against Illia. Max is currently ranked at #4 in the lightweight division. Holloway is scheduled to fight Dustin Poirier for the BMF belt on July 19th (Poirier has already announced that it’ll be his retirement fight). Great fights either way all depends on Oliveira’s recovery timeline amongst other moving parts.

Oliveira’s next fight: Max Holloway or Paddy Pimblett 

Kai Kara-France

Kai Kara-France looked completely outgunned and overmatched on his way to a third-round submission defeat at the hands of the UFC flyweight champion, Alexandre Pantoja, in the UFC 317 co-headliner. Kara-France has now actually lost three of his last four fights, beginning with an unsuccessful title shot against Brandon Moreno in July of 2022. Kara-France was ranked at #4 headed into this bout.

Kai has a couple of different directions he can go in here based on timing. Manel Kape, who is ranked at #6, would be an excellent opponent but he is currently recovering from injury. A rematch with Brandon Royval could also make sense. Kara-France lost to Royval in 2020 via second round submission. Royval also lost on Saturday. But the fight that would make the most sense would be for Kai to face the winner of Asu Almabayev vs Ramazan Temirov. That fight goes down on July 26. Not too bad in terms of timing-but Asu is ranked at #8 while Ramazan Temirov is ranked at #13.

Almabayev was 4-0 in the UFC until he was stopped, albeit controversially, by Manel Kape in the third round of their fight back in March. Temirov had his first fight in the UFC in just October of last year, stopping CJ Vegara in the first round. Temirov was last in the cage back in March when he defeated Charles Johnson. Putting Kai against the winner of this bout would insert some fresh faces with some impressive records into the mix of the elite ranks. Could make for an interesting fight night main event as well.

Kara-France’s next fight: Asu Almabayev vs Ramazan Temirov winner or Manel Kape

Brandon Royval

Brandon Royval lost an epic unanimous decision against short notice replacement, Joshua Van, on Saturday. Royval was booked  to take on Manel Kape but that fight was called off after Kape suffered a foot injury. That fight was originally supposed to take place back in March, but Royval had to withdraw from that bout with an injury of his own. Royval entered the fight ranked at #1 while Van was ranked at #12. Huge upset.

This bout scored a Fight of the Night bonus and Royval also received his win bonus for his phenomenal effort. Royval should have his fight with Kape rebooked for his next outing. Thats what makes the most sense especially with the fight outcome Saturday (and Van likely fighting for the belt). If that fight doesn’t materialize then potentially giving Royval, the winner of #14 Kai Asakura vs #10 Tim Elliot could be a good fight too. But that’s also another risky fight for Brandon after he just took one on Saturday. Ideal world, Kape is healed up by years end and hopefully they can get something in by 2026.

Royval’s next fight: Manel Kape or Tim Elliot vs. Kai Asakura winner

Renato Moicano

Renato Moicano lost a competitive unanimous decision to Beneil Dariush on the main card of UFC 317 on Saturday. The two were originally supposed to fight back in January before Renato was rebooked (saving the UFC 311 main event opposite Islam Makhachev). Moicano has now lost two fights in a row since ripping off his four-fight win streak featuring three finishes from 2022-2024. Dariush entered the fight ranked at #9 while Moicano was ranked at #11.

Renato should take on Joel Alvarez in his next fight. Joel is 7-2 with the UFC since being signed in 2019 and is ranked at #15. Alvarez is on a three-fight win streak stopping Marc Diakiese, Elves Brener and most recently, Drakkar Klose, back in December. Joel was slated to take on Benoit Saint-Denis on May 10 but withdrew from that bout. BSD fought Renato in September of last year losing via doctor’s stoppage. This fight would be a great matchup between two pretty rangy strikers and would be a fun scrap for fans. Could easily be on a PPV card main card as well. Winner propels themselves into the top 10 of the lightweight division with an impressive finish.

Moicano’s next fight: Joel Alvarez

Felipe Lima

Felipe Lima was outfought by Payton Talbott on the way to a unanimous decision defeat to open up the main card of UFC 317 on Saturday. It was Lima’s first time competing at bantamweight within the UFC as he was 2-0 as a featherweight under the promotional banner.

A good opponent for Lima would be a fighter like John Castaneda. The 2017 Contender Series alum is 4-4 with the UFC but has consistently had trouble making 135lbs. He’s a tough scrappy fighter that’s always in high-action competitive bouts. Castaneda last fought back in April when he dropped a split decision to Chris Gutierrez. That’d be a high talent level ‘under-the-radar’ type of fight that a lot of hardcore fans would tune in for.  A backup option for Lima would be the Da’Mon Blackshear vs Davey Grant fight winner. That fight is scheduled for July 26. Both fighters are grappling heavy and with an impressive win out of either man it could make sense for a date with Lima. However, the optimal matchup is definitely Castaneda.

Lima’s next fight: John Castaneda or Da’Mon Blackshear vs. Davey Grant winner

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