Renato Moicano (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

Brian Ortega has yet to lose in pro-MMA bouts, but it looks like Renato “Moicano” believes the contender will be handed his first loss by Max Holloway.

Ortega will challenge Holloway in the main event of UFC 231 on Saturday, in a fight that “Moicano” is the alternate for. Recently the rising Brazilian fighter spoke with MMA Junkie, and while doing so, he said the following:

“I’m feeling blessed to deserve this chance and fight for the title. Let’s see if something happens. … I will be ready. If they need, I will step up and become a world champion. If it’s not Saturday, I think in the next title defense of who will be champion, I will be the next contender.”

“I want to beat Brian, beat Max and beat every guy who they put to fight with me because I know I’m capable,” Moicano said. “I know I’m the only guy that can beat Max because the size, because the game. I put him on the ground, I have better jiu-jitsu. I am a good striker like Max. Then Brian’s the same. The first fight I was training in Brazil and not in USA. Now I’m in the big gym at American Top Team with great coaches. It’s a completely different fight.”

The only fighter to defeat “Moicano” to date is Ortega, who submitted him with a third round, guillotine choke in 2017. Since then the featherweight has won back-to-back bouts with Calvin Katter and Cub Swanson.

UFC 231 will be hosted by Toronto, Ontario.