“Money” wants options.
Despite becoming a fan favorite and headlining four UFC events, Moicano is beginning to think about a future outside of promotion.
During a recent interview MMA fightMoicano revealed that he has three more fights left on his current UFC contract, including Saturday’s main event against Nolan. The 37-year-old plans to complete the deal before testing the open market and assessing his options.
“I definitely want to fight this deal out,” Moicano said. “I want to do the whole thing and then we’ll see what happens. I’d also like to be a free agent to see what it’s like. In Brazil, I’m getting big, like popular. So, who knows? Maybe boxinginfluencing, something like that – doing anything but MMA. So I’m not too worried. I’m not too worried.”
This does not necessarily mean that Moicano has decided to leave the UFC. When it comes time to renegotiate, his decision will largely depend on how much the promotion is willing to pay — and whether continuing to fight is still worth the physical cost.
“We’ll have to wait and see,” Moicano said. “After this fight, fight the next one and I’ll see how I feel and how much money I make in the UFC. If the money is good, if it’s worth it, then great, let’s go. If not, I’ve got things to take care of me, you know?”
Moicano has already started building his life outside of racing. Along with an increasingly popular YouTube channel, he has started managing fighters and has his own fight promotion.
“I have another business, I have this YouTube thing, I have a gym, I have other things that I do,” Moicano said. “I’m also going to manage some guys in Brazil. I have this MMA show on December 5th. So, who knows? I’m not making any plans.”
Free agency is at least three fights away, but Moicano has made it clear that the UFC is no longer his only path forward.
But first, he’ll have to deal with Nolan, who will try to use his first UFC main event to steal Moicano’s spot in the lightweight top 10. A win would solidify Moicano’s position in the division and could ultimately give “Money” even more leverage at the bargaining table.
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