MMA news: Renato Moicano submits Chris Duncan at UFC Vegas 115, blasts Apex fight card

Renato Moicano made easy money at UFC Vegas 115, but he wasn’t smiling afterwards.

The Brazilian veteran submitted Chris Duncan via rear-naked choke in the second round of Saturday’s headliner, snapping a two-fight losing streak in dominant fashion.

Both lightweights train together at American Top Team and Moicano entered as a slight underdog against the surging Scotsman, writes Sports News Blitz’s Samuel Faris-Clark.

Moicano criticises venue, opponent

Experience eventually prevailed in Las Vegas as Moicano weathered early pressure, bloodied Duncan on the feet, and eventually took his back to force the tap.

But the win was secondary to the message.

Immediately following the victory, Moicano unleashed a blistering critique of the event’s setting and his opponent’s profile.

“This Apex card was f***ing sh*t,” Moicano told reporters.

“Dana White, don’t listen to that, but you’re having Moicano as a main event in f***ing Apex. Are you kidding me?”

The 36-year-old argued that fighting in the small UFC Apex facility, which is typically reserved for Fight Night cards, offers zero career growth compared to arena shows.

This frustration was compounded by his belief that Duncan, despite his winning streak, is a no-name opponent.

“Who is f***ing Chris Duncan, brother? That fight does nothing for my career, does nothing for my YouTube,” he stated.

READ MORE: MMA opinion: Five pathways ahead for Israel Adesanya after tough loss

Brazilian eyes next fight

With the win secured, Moicano immediately pivoted to a hit list of marquee names.

At the top is Brian Ortega, who handed Moicano his first professional loss in 2017 – a rematch was booked for March but fell through when Ortega withdrew.

“I want his head. I want to kill this motherf***er,” Moicano said, demanding the fight take place in Brazil.

He also floated Dan Hooker, Paddy Pimblett and a rematch with Benoit Saint-Denis.

“It’s not about winning and losing,” Moicano explained.

“It’s about getting the most hype, people talking about you, because this is the business.”

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Samuel Faris-Clark

Samuel Faris-Clark is a BA (HONS) sports journalism student at Southampton Solent University.

His work reflects both academic training and a genuine love of sport, blending detailed research with an engaging, accessible style.

Samuel is a big fan of Football, Boxing and MMA with his favourite fighters being Chris Billam-Smith and Charles Oliveira as well as supporting AFC Bournemouth.

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