UFC 123’s Renato Moicano plans to test free agency after fighting out contract – ‘Let’s see what happens’

No. 8-ranked Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight Renato Moicano returns to action against Australian heavy hitter Tom Nolan in the main event of UFC Vegas 123 this weekend (Sat., Oct. 31, 2026) inside Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Despite becoming a fan favorite and headlining four UFC events, Moicano is beginning to consider a future outside the promotion.

During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Moicano revealed that he has three bouts remaining on his current UFC contract, including Saturday’s main event against Nolan. The 37-year-old intends to complete the deal before testing the open market and evaluating his options.

“I want to fight this deal out for sure,” Moicano said. “I want to do the whole thing, and then let’s see what happens. I would like to be a free agent, too, just to see what it’s like. In Brazil, I’m getting big, like getting popular. So, who knows? Maybe boxing, influencing, something like that—doing all this stuff other than MMA. So, I’m not too worried. I’m not too worried.”

That does not necessarily mean Moicano is determined to leave UFC. When the time comes to renegotiate, his decision will largely depend on how much the promotion is willing to pay—and whether continuing to fight remains worth the physical cost.

“We have to wait and see,” Moicano said. “After I fight this fight, fight the next, and I see how I feel and how much money I’m making in the UFC. If the money is good, if it’s worth it, nice, let’s go. If not, I’ll have stuff to take care of me, you know?”

Moicano has already begun building a life beyond competing. Along with his increasingly popular YouTube channel, he has started managing fighters and has his own fight promotion.

“I have another business, I have this YouTube, I have the gym, I have other stuff that I’m doing,” Moicano said. “I’m starting to manage some guys in Brazil, too. I have this MMA show going on Dec. 5. So, who knows? I’m not making any plans.”

Free agency is still at least three fights away, but Moicano has made it clear that UFC is no longer his only path forward.

First, however, he must deal with Nolan, who is attempting to use his first UFC main event to steal Moicano’s place in the Lightweight Top 10. A victory would strengthen Moicano’s position inside the division—and could eventually give “Money” even more leverage at the negotiating table.

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