Former UFC heavyweight turned podcast host Brendan Schaub delivered a critique of Brazilian contender Renato Moicano’s decision to reject a $200,000 settlement from the UFC antitrust lawsuit. He questioned the wisdom behind the move and brought the fighter’s personal circumstances into the heated discussion.
The 36-year-old Moicano made waves recently when he revealed he was among the mere 3% of fighters who declined to accept the substantial payout, citing personal principles and his commitment to honoring his original contract with the promotion. While some may view this as an admirable stance, Schaub saw it as a costly miscalculation.
“Here’s the thing, Moicano,” Schaub said on his podcast. “That money is getting allocated no matter what, buddy. You being a company man and not taking it doesn’t give you an inch of good grace with the UFC. This does not matter.”
Schaub’s criticism took on a more personal tone as he highlighted Moicano’s current life situation, emphasizing the financial realities facing the veteran contender. “You will never make more money than when you fought Islam for the belt. That will never happen to you again. And your wife’s f**king pregnant. You have a f**king young kid. You’re never going to be champion. And you want to give up $200,000.”
The former heavyweight didn’t stop there, painting a stark picture of how the UFC’s leadership views such gestures. Schaub stressed that to UFC CEO Dana White, the declined amount represents little more than pocket change, comparing it to the kind of money the executive casually wagers during his well-documented gambling sessions.
“Just so you know, Moicano, Dana bets with $200,000 every night. Like it ain’t s**t. So if you think in his mind, he’s going, well, Moicano didn’t take the money. Let’s hook this guy up. You don’t know the f**king world, dude.”
Moicano’s rationale for rejecting the settlement stems from his belief in honoring commitments. Speaking on his own podcast Show Me The Money, the Brazilian explained his position, stating he simply couldn’t bring himself to sign the settlement agreement. He views the lawsuit as a form of retroactive betrayal, arguing that contenders who signed contracts should stand by their agreements regardless of later opportunities for compensation.
Moicano has remained steadfast in his decision despite facing significant backlash from fans and fellow fighters alike. On social media, Moicano defended his choice, writing, “You shouldn’t need a contract for your word to mean something.” He acknowledged that while he doesn’t agree with all UFC policies, including restrictions on sponsorships, he chose to accept his contract terms and believes in taking responsibility for that decision.
Schaub’s harsh assessment shows a broader tension within the MMA community about fighter loyalty versus financial pragmatism. “You’re in the f**king most cutthroat business in the world and you’re letting it pass you by, but you think you’re being a good company man with a company that could give two f**ks about you. It’s mind blowing,” Schaub concluded.
Moicano, for his part, remains philosophical about the criticism. “Ruin your life however you want,” he said. “That’s the beauty of freedom; everyone has their own life. Ruin it however you want. Nothing in this world is free.”
The Brazilian’s decision stands as one of the most unusual moves in recent MMA memory, with walking away from $200,000 being nearly as rare as winning a championship title.
