Moicano thinks UFC will 'protect' Pimblett, avoid matchup

Renato Moicano doesn't see the UFC booking a fight between him and Paddy Pimblett.

Though the two lightweights have expressed mutual interest in squaring off in the Octagon - and the potential matchup has garnered buzz on social media - Moicano said he believes the promotion will go in a different direction to try to keep Pimblett on a winning track.

"UFC is going to protect him," Moicano said on "The Ariel Helwani Show" on Tuesday. "That's 100%. He's not fighting 'Money' Moicano.

"I'm not trying to discount him. I don't think he didn't accept the fight. But think about the company, UFC. What's the point of doing this matchup? 'Money' Moicano is going to smash Paddy Pimblett. One takedown and the fight is over. They're gonna lose a very good product. Because we cannot lie: Paddy Pimblett is a good product for the UFC."

Moicano's latest call-out of Pimblett came immediately after he beat Benoit Saint Denis in the UFC Paris main event in September. Pimblett quickly responded and said he was open to the matchup. Moicano and Pimblett are ranked Nos. 11 and 14 in the 155-pound division, respectively.

Pimblett, of Liverpool, England, is a budding star for the UFC and holds a 6-0 record in the promotion. Pimblett broke into the top 15 at lightweight with wins over Bobby Green and former interim champ Tony Ferguson over the last 10 months.

"If they offer me the fight, of course I would (accept)," Moicano said. "Of course."

Moicano is on the best winning streak of his UFC career - four in a row - and is due for another big fight next. The Brazilian said he also likes the idea of a bout against the No. 5-ranked Dan Hooker, though he doesn't think Hooker would agree to it.