Moicano eyes free agency after fighting out final three UFC bouts

Renato ‘Money’ Moicano intends to see out his UFC contract and then test free agency, the Brazilian lightweight confirmed ahead of his UFC Vegas 123 main event against Tom Nolan on Saturday at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas. The 37-year-old says he has three fights left on his current deal, including this weekend’s bout.

“I want to fight this deal out for sure,” Moicano told MMA Fighting. “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.”

Moicano (21-7-1) was candid that his decision will hinge on both his earnings inside the Octagon and his appetite to keep competing. He also pointed to a growing portfolio of interests away from fighting that give him options whichever way his career goes.

“I have another business, I have this YouTube, I have the gym, I have other stuff that I’m doing. 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,” he said.

The relaxed tone is perhaps understandable given the momentum Moicano has rebuilt. He snapped a two-fight losing streak — defeats to lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and Beneil Dariush — by submitting Chris Duncan in the second round of the UFC Vegas 115 main event in April. A second straight win over Nolan on Saturday would further strengthen his hand, whether he ultimately re-signs with the UFC or steps into the open market for the first time in his career.

“I’m not too worried,” Moicano said. “I’m not too worried.”