Renato Moicano
Age: 29
Nationality: Brazilian
MMA Record: 12-1-1
UFC Record: 4-1
Notable Wins: Jeremy Stephens, Calvin Kattar
Notable Losses: Brian Ortega
Last Fight: Decision win over Calvin Kattar
Fighter Profile: One of the top young featherweights in the UFC today, Moicano has been a very pleasant surprise since joining the UFC roster in 2014. A former champion in Jungle Fights, Moicano has looked awesome in the UFC as he’s picked up a 4-1 record with a notable win over top-five ranked Jeremy Stephens and with his lone loss coming against No. 1 contender Brian Ortega. Moicano is a very well-rounded fighter who has good striking and good submission skills. He is constantly improving his game as well which makes him a very dangerous opponent as he’s always showing a new evolution to his game, and he’s quickly closing in on the top-5.
Cub Swanson
Age: 34
Nationality: American
MMA Record: 25-9
UFC Record: 10-5
Notable Wins: Dustin Poirier, Doo Ho Choi, Charles Oliveira
Notable Losses: Jose Aldo, Frankie Edgar, Brian Ortega
Last Fight: Decision loss to Frankie Egar
Fighter Profile: One of the top featherweights in the sport for the past decade, Swanson has been known to UFC fans as someone who is always willing to stand and trade and put on good fights. A former standout in the WEC, Swanson has a winning record in the UFC and has overall proven himself to be a top-10 fighter but he seems to finally be entering the decline phase in his career. Known for his punching power, it’s been a while since Swanson has had a knockout and he’s been looking more hittable in recent fights. Having said that, Swanson is still a guy who will always put on a good show for the fans. Even though he’s not the fighter he once was, he’s not an easy out at 145lbs.
Fight Breakdown: I don’t see this fight being close at all. Swanson seems to be on a serious decline while Moicano is on the up-and-up and I just see Moicano dominating this fight. I think he’s better everywhere and I think that’s going to show in this fight. I see Moicano beating Swanson to the punch on the feet and I see him also winning any grappling exchanges. Swanson is very tough and may be durable enough to survive to the final bell but at the end of 15 minutes I think you will see Moicano get his hand raised by decision.
Prediction: Renato Moicano via decision
