Renato Moicano may not have walked away with the UFC lightweight title at UFC 311, but he certainly left with an enviable paycheck. Despite being submitted by champion Islam Makhachev in the first round of the highly anticipated main event, Moicano stunned fans with his reported earnings.
Moicano’s Astonishing Payout
Initially scheduled to fight Beneil Dariush on the main card, Moicano found himself thrust into the spotlight as a last-minute replacement for Arman Tsarukyan. Stepping up on just 24 hours’ notice to fight the pound-for-pound king, Islam Makhachev, Moicano was undoubtedly the underdog.
According to California State Athletic Commission reports, Moicano was guaranteed a base salary of $250,000 for the fight. However, during his appearance on the “Show Me the Money” podcast, the Brazilian fighter revealed that he made far more than that amount.
“I got a nice check,” teased Moicano, hinting that he earned over nine Bitcoin from his bout—a sum translating to a staggering $950,000 at the time. This total is said to include his fight purse, performance bonuses, and a significant share from the Pay-Per-View revenue, which reportedly surged due to the late change in the main event.
Fans React to Moicano’s Payday
The news of Moicano’s earnings sparked significant reactions among MMA fans. Many took to social media to express their thoughts, with some humorously labeling his earnings as “easy money” given the brevity of the fight.
“Get choked = Easy Money!” quipped one fan on social media, while others praised Moicano for stepping up to save the card alongside Makhachev. One user commented, “Only fair, he and Islam saved the card by stepping up.”
Makhachev Earned Less?
Perhaps more surprising than Moicano’s payday is the fact that the champion himself reportedly earned less. Makhachev’s base pay for the fight was $200,000—lower than Moicano’s $250,000. However, Makhachev’s total earnings are expected to climb significantly when Pay-Per-View shares are factored in.
The Fight Recap
Despite his significant earnings, Moicano was outclassed by the reigning champion. Makhachev dominated from the opening bell, using his world-class grappling to secure a D’Arce choke submission in the first round. Moicano later admitted that crowd pressure may have contributed to his performance, as he attempted to get back to his feet prematurely, exposing his neck to the champion.
“The crowd started to boo, and I said, ‘Man, I have to get back on the feet,’” Moicano revealed. “But he [Makhachev] was setting me up. When I exposed my neck, he locked in the D’Arce choke very quickly.”
What’s Next for Renato Moicano?
Moicano emerged relatively unscathed from his fight against Makhachev, leaving fans eager to see him back in action. Speculation is already mounting over his next opponent, with whispers of a potential matchup against Paddy Pimblett in mid-2025.
Regardless of who he faces next, Moicano’s ability to capitalize on high-stakes opportunities has undoubtedly made him one of the most talked-about fighters in the lightweight division.
