Renato Moicano Bio
Renato Alves Carneiro, known professionally as Renato Moicano, is a Brazilian mixed martial artist competing in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born on May 21, 1989, in Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil, Moicano has been active in professional MMA since 2010 and is recognized for his technical skills and submission expertise. He is the former interim Jungle Fight Featherweight Champion and as of November 18, 2025, ranks #10 in the UFC lightweight rankings.
Early Life and Background
Renato Alves Carneiro was born in Brasília, Brazil, where he began training in judo at the age of eight. His early exposure to martial arts laid the foundation for his future career in mixed martial arts. Moicano initially pursued a university education with the goal of becoming a lawyer but decided to leave after two years to focus entirely on MMA. His nickname “Moicano,” meaning mohawk in Portuguese, originated from his hairstyle during Brazilian jiu-jitsu training.
Path to MMA
Moicano started his professional MMA career in 2010, fighting extensively across Brazil. He quickly established himself as a promising featherweight contender, capturing the interim Jungle Fight Featherweight Championship by submitting Ismael Bonfim with a rear naked choke in the first round. His early success in Brazil helped him gain recognition and paved the way for his entry into the UFC.
Renato Moicano Career
Early Career (2010–2014)
Beginning his professional journey in 2010, Moicano fought primarily in Brazilian regional promotions. He remained undefeated in his first eight fights, showcasing a versatile skill set that combined striking and submission grappling. His notable early achievement was winning the interim Jungle Fight Featherweight Championship, which marked him as a rising talent in the featherweight division.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2014–2019)
Moicano signed with the UFC in December 2014 and made a successful debut against Tom Niinimäki, winning by rear naked choke submission in the second round. Over the next several years, he secured victories over notable opponents such as Zubaira Tukhugov, Jeremy Stephens, Calvin Kattar, and Cub Swanson. His fight against Brian Ortega at UFC 214 in 2017 was a career-defining moment, earning Fight of the Night honors despite a loss by submission. During this period, Moicano transitioned from featherweight to lightweight in 2020, seeking new challenges in a different division.
American Top Team Era (2017–Present)
After his bout with Ortega, Moicano relocated to the United States to train with American Top Team, enhancing his skills and competitive edge. Competing in the lightweight division, he has continued to demonstrate his grappling prowess with multiple submission victories, including wins over Damir Hadžović, Jai Herbert, and Alexander Hernandez. In recent years, Moicano has also gained attention for his outspoken views on economics and libertarian values, which have become part of his public persona.
Driving Style and Strengths
Moicano is known for his technical Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai skills, holding black belts in both disciplines. His fighting style emphasizes strategic grappling, effective striking, and the ability to control opponents on the ground. His partnership with American Top Team has refined his approach, making him a well-rounded and tactical fighter in the lightweight division.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Moicano’s significant career moments are his interim Jungle Fight Featherweight Championship, his Fight of the Night performance against Brian Ortega, and his transition to lightweight competition. His recent challenge for the UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 311 in 2025 marked a pinnacle in his career despite a first-round submission loss to Islam Makhachev.
Renato Moicano Career Wins
Renato Moicano has accumulated 20 professional wins out of 28 fights, with victories achieved through a combination of knockouts, submissions, and decisions. His record reflects his versatility and effectiveness across multiple aspects of mixed martial arts.
UFC Highlights
Since joining the UFC in 2014, Moicano has secured numerous wins, including notable submissions and decision victories. His first UFC win came via submission against Tom Niinimäki, and he has earned Performance of the Night honors for his submission win over Cub Swanson. His most recent wins include technical knockouts and unanimous decisions, demonstrating his continued competitiveness at the highest level.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining the UFC, Moicano was undefeated in eight fights and captured the interim Jungle Fight Featherweight Championship with a first-round submission. He has also competed in professional grappling events, securing wins against opponents such as Chase Hooper and Cristian Guzman.
Renato Moicano Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Moicano’s family background are limited, but he is known to reside in Coconut Creek, Florida, USA, where he trains. His early life in Brazil included martial arts training from a young age, which influenced his career path.
Personal Life
Moicano is married and has a son born in 2020. He adopted the nickname “Money Moicano” in 2022 following a post-fight speech. Beyond fighting, he is recognized for his vocal support of Austrian economics, libertarian principles, and cryptocurrency advocacy, which have attracted media attention and shaped his public image.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Renato Moicano remained an active and ranked competitor in the UFC lightweight division. He faced top contenders including a title challenge against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311, stepping in on short notice. Although he lost the championship bout, Moicano continued to compete against elite fighters, maintaining his position within the top ten rankings. His performances this season have demonstrated resilience and adaptability, with a focus on refining his grappling and striking under the guidance of American Top Team. The outlook for Moicano includes continued contention in the lightweight division and potential opportunities for high-profile matchups.