Brazilian UFC lightweight contender Renato Moicano has revealed a surprising decision that sets him apart from nearly every other fighter in the promotion’s history. During a recent episode of the Show Me the Money podcast, Moicano disclosed that he refused to accept settlement money from the UFC’s class-action lawsuit, potentially walking away from up to $200,000.
The revelation came during a candid conversation about fighter compensation and principles. When asked about the settlement that stemmed from a lawsuit claiming UFC underpaid fighters, Moicano explained his reasoning: “You know how much I love UFC? I did not pay the money that they sent to the fighters. Yeah. I just had to put my name over there, but I didn’t.”
According to Moicano, the settlement process involved lawyers repeatedly contacting him and even visiting his gym at American Top Team, pressuring him to sign the agreement. Despite the significant financial incentive, estimated between $100,000 and $200,000 based on his fight history, Moicano stood firm in his decision.
“All the fighters that got money, they are f**king s**t in the business,” Moicano stated, suggesting that accepting the settlement money compromised other fighters’ integrity. He revealed that only 3-4 fighters out of approximately 700 eligible participants refused the settlement, making his decision extremely rare among UFC athletes.
The Brazilian contender compared the lawsuit to a scenario where someone agrees to terms initially but later claims they were taken advantage of. “You agree to it already,” Moicano explained, referencing his first UFC fight contract that paid him $8,000 to show and $8,000 to win. “That’s what I’m saying. You have a girl, and then somebody talked to the guy. Hey, the guy abused you and this and that.”
Moicano’s decision appears rooted in his belief about honoring contracts and maintaining principles over financial gain. He emphasized that both parties in any agreement should fulfill their obligations, stating, “You have to honor your contract. You have to honor your word. When you sign over there, you do your part and they have to do their part.”
The lightweight contender, who recently signed a new five-fight deal with the UFC, acknowledged that while $100,000-$200,000 is substantial money, his long-term vision extends beyond immediate financial gain. “In 10 years, I believe that this podcast is going to be great. And I will have this to tell, you know, hey, one day 10 years ago, I could have taken this money,” he reflected.
Despite facing criticism from fellow competitors who accepted the settlement and called him “dumb,” Moicano remains confident in his decision. He mentioned that even fighters like former training partner Ponzinibbio questioned his choice, but Moicano stands by his principles regarding contract integrity and his loyalty to the UFC.
The settlement stemmed from a class-action lawsuit alleging that the UFC’s practices violated antitrust laws by suppressing fighter pay. While the vast majority of eligible contenders accepted their portion of the settlement, Moicano’s refusal shows his perspective on fighter-promotion relationships and contractual obligations.
