When Renato Moicano trolled "desperate" Michael Chandler for seemingly chasing Conor McGregor fight: "He’s almost on his knees"
Renato Moicano once sounded off on Michael Chandler over his pursuit of a fight against combat sports megastar Conor McGregor. 'Money' notably advised Chandler to change his approach toward McGregor.
Back in Dec. 2023, McGregor was rumored to be fighting fellow 'TUF' (The Ultimate Fighter) 31 coach Chandler in the headlining match of UFC 300, set for April 2024. The Irishman jestingly tweeted that Chandler should instead face Moicano at the milestone event. Moicano responded with a tweet, insinuating that 'Iron' was too easy an opponent:
"Nah I'm good too easy...."
Before fighting Drew Dober in Feb. 2024, Moicano spoke to MMA Fighting and jibed at Chandler and McGregor. Moicano indicated he was busy training, so he couldn't craft a better response to McGregor.
Moicano alluded that Chandler hasn't competed since Nov. 2022. Many argued that Chandler was wasting time pursuing the big-money McGregor matchup. On that note, Moicano seemingly trolled 'Iron' and stated:
"Michael Chandler is so desperate to get this fight... He's almost begging. He's almost on his knees, 'McGregor fight me!' I just think that's hilarious... We don't know if that fight's going to happen. McGregor is full crazy nowadays."
Moicano alluded to McGregor's hiatus from MMA competition since July 2021, adding that the Irishman was busy making videos of himself eating. He opined that 'The Notorious' appears drunk or on drugs. He deemed the ex-UFC featherweight and lightweight champion entertaining and funny.
'Money' underscored that Chandler should use some trash talk against McGregor rather than docilely comply. Moicano opined that only the Chandler matchup makes sense for McGregor, as other lightweights like Benoit Saint-Denis, Arman Tsarukyan, Beneil Dariush, etc., aren't as big-name fighters.
Moreover, Moicano reiterated that when McGregor's comeback finally materializes, it'll likely be against Chandler. Given the mammoth payday associated with facing the sport's biggest star, he added that any fighter would be raring to compete against McGregor. Nevertheless, he appeared to suggest that Chandler was selling himself short:
"Michael Chandler is just trying to get the fight and it's kind of lame, if you ask me. It is what it is... Chandler is saying, 'Yes, yes, of course!' On his knees all the time."
A look at Renato Moicano's next fight, the major development in the Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler situation
No.11-ranked UFC lightweight Renato Moicano will fight the No. 12-ranked Benoit Saint-Denis in the headlining match of UFC Paris on Sept. 28, 2024.
Meanwhile, UFC CEO Dana White has announced that the No. 6-ranked Michael Chandler will return in a rematch against ex-UFC lightweight champion and No.2-ranked Charles Oliveira. Their five-round lightweight bout co-headlines UFC 309 (Nov. 16, 2024).
Chandler is eyeing a win over Oliveira and a lightweight title shot. The Chandler-McGregor welterweight bout was booked for UFC 303 (June 2024) but fell apart due to McGregor's toe injury. Regardless, 'Iron' is still open to facing the Irishman.
Furthermore, BKFC co-owner McGregor addressed the Oliveira-Chandler development at the BKFC 66 post-fight press conference. McGregor signaled that he'd like to return to the UFC's famed octagon as soon as possible. Alternatively, he asked the UFC to hand him an exemption to compete in a crossover fight.