Moicano Rejects Nolan's Praise Ahead Of UFC Vegas 123

Renato Moicano has no interest in hearing compliments from Tom Nolan ahead of their UFC Vegas 123 clash on Halloween.

The 37-year-old lightweight responded to Nolan's media day remarks praising him as a hero with a blunt dismissal, per MMA Mania. Nolan, 26, had told reporters that facing Moicano was special because he grew up watching the Brazilian veteran compete.

When asked about those kind words, Moicano made his priorities clear. He told the press he wants money rather than compliments and planned to beat Nolan regardless of the respect between them.

Moicano was originally scheduled to face Brian Ortega at UFC 331 in September before an injury shuffled the deck. He suggested that Nolan poses a tougher stylistic challenge than Ortega despite the latter carrying more name recognition, and said a win over the Australian would improve his resume.

The bout sits as a pick 'em with oddsmakers. Nolan carries an 11-1 record into his 12th pro fight while Moicano enters his 30th career bout. Moicano has talked about testing free agency after his current three-fight stretch with the UFC expires, but acknowledged he needs to win to collect his full purse. The lightweight showdown takes place October 31 at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas.