Renato Moicano Criticizes Dana White’s Decision to Axe ‘Bonus Bumps,’ Urges UFC to Keep Fighters Motivated
Renato Moicano, the charismatic Brazilian MMA star, is vocal about his dissatisfaction with UFC President Dana White’s recent decision to discontinue the increased bonus payouts. Since the landmark UFC 300 event, fighters had enjoyed enhanced bonus prizes, a move initially made at the fighters’ request and which injected additional excitement into the bouts. However, following what was deemed a lackluster UFC 304 card, White decided to revert the bonuses to their previous levels, sparking controversy among fighters.
Moicano, known for his spirited performances and candid opinions, shared his thoughts on the matter during a recent episode of the “Show me The Money” podcast. Reflecting on his fight at UFC 300 against Jalin Turner, Moicano revealed how the substantial bonus motivated him to turn the fight around after a tough start.
“I remember when he knocked me down in the first round, I said f*ck that, I’m not losing that $300k. To me, personally, I got motivated by that right,” Moicano recalled. True to his moniker ‘Money,’ the fighter was driven by the lucrative bonus to stage a comeback and secure the win, highlighting the impact of financial incentives on fighters’ performances.
Moicano believes that the UFC should maintain or even increase these bonuses as a regular practice. He argues that such incentives not only motivate fighters to deliver their best in the Octagon but also address long-standing concerns about fighter pay. Critics have often pointed out the disparity between the UFC’s soaring valuation and the relatively modest paychecks of its athletes.
The debate over fighter compensation has been a contentious issue, with the UFC facing lawsuits from former fighters over pay disputes. Moicano’s stance adds fuel to this ongoing discussion, emphasizing the need for better financial rewards to keep fighters motivated and ensure high-quality bouts.
Despite the UFC 304 event being criticized for its poor production values and an unusual early morning schedule, Moicano insists that improved bonuses could remedy such shortcomings by encouraging fighters to push their limits.
Moicano is currently gearing up for his next fight against Benoit Saint-Denis. However, another challenge looms on the horizon. During the UFC 304 event, Paddy Pimblett called out Moicano after his impressive victory over King Green. The call-out has set the stage for a potential showdown between the two fighters, much to the delight of fans.
Responding to Pimblett’s challenge, Moicano expressed his readiness to take on the Scouser after his upcoming bout. In a recent YouTube video, he congratulated Pimblett on earning a ranking and promised to beat him next.
“I’m ready for whatever comes next,” Moicano declared. “Paddy called me out, and I’m ready to accept that challenge after I take care of business with BSD. Congratulations to him, but now he’s going to have to face me.”
