Renato Moicano disclosed on his Show Me The Money Podcast that he earned nearly $1 million for his short-notice fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311. The Brazilian lightweight, known for his gritty performances and fan-friendly style, stepped up to face the dominant champion on just 24 hours’ notice, replacing the injured Arman Tsarukyan in the main event.
🤯🤑 Renato Moicano reveals that he made over $900,000 for Islam Makhachev fight at UFC 311.
Money Moicano needs more 😎 pic.twitter.com/rg3ZzT62Yo
— Show Me the Money Podcast (@showmethepod) January 23, 2025
A Payday Worth Tapping For
Despite suffering a first-round submission loss to Makhachev, Moicano’s bank account emerged as the true victor of the night. In a recent episode of his “Show Me The Money” podcast, Moicano hinted at his substantial earnings, stating, “I got a nice check.” When pressed further, he confirmed that his payday exceeded 9 Bitcoin, which at current market rates translates to over $950,000.
This revelation has sparked intense discussion within the MMA community, with fans and fellow fighters alike expressing a mix of surprise and admiration for Moicano’s savvy business move. One fan succinctly summed up the situation on social media: “Get choked = Easy Money!
UFC 311 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐃 Payouts.#UFC311 pic.twitter.com/QI0p37d6Gh
— The People’s MMA 🦈 (@ThePeoplesMMA) January 21, 2025
The disclosed payouts from the California State Athletic Commission initially reported Moicano’s flat fee at $250,000, already surpassing champion Makhachev’s $200,000 purse. However, Moicano’s recent disclosure suggests that significant undisclosed bonuses were part of the deal, likely as compensation for saving the event on short notice.
As the MMA world digests this information, Moicano’s willingness to step up on short notice has not only secured him a life-changing payday but also potentially altered the landscape of fighter negotiations in the UFC. His gamble serves as a testament to the potential rewards of seizing opportunities, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
While Moicano may not have left the Octagon with a victory that night, his bank account certainly emerged triumphant. As one fan aptly put it, “Massive money fight for 30 seconds, shouldn’t be proud of that but it is what it is”1. In the high-stakes world of professional fighting, Renato Moicano has proven that sometimes, the biggest wins happen outside the cage.
