Renato Moicano explains why 'easy money' Paddy Pimblett earned his respect

Despite butting heads over the past year, Renato Moicano has admitted that Paddy Pimblett has earned his respect.

‘The Baddy’ has been counted out by many of his peers, but has continued to prove the doubters wrong six fights into his UFC career. The Brit managed to force his way into the top 15 at lightweight last time out, and his performance caught the eye of his division rival.

Paddy Pimblett showed he belongs with the best in the division after a phenomenal display against Bobby Green at UFC 304. Acknowledging the win, Renato Moicano respectfully gave the scouser his flowers.

“What do you think about his fight against Bobby Green?” Moicano said. “Like, he proved everybody wrong.”

“I saw a lot of people counting him out, you know. And just because he had a couple bad performances, people were sh*tting on him.”

“But, the truth needs to be said; he did a great job. It’s not easy to finish Bobby Green. Bobby Green is a solid fighter. Good striking, especially boxing. Good takedown defense.”

“He fought a lot of good black belts that couldn’t finish him and it was an easy fight for Paddy Pimblett.”

While he does think the respect is warranted, Moicano still believes Pimblett wouldn’t be a challenging matchup for him.

“So, I think now he deserves a little bit of respect, not much. Because if I fight him, that would be easy money, too.”

Renato Moicano respects Paddy Pimblett more after his win over Bobby Green, but still thinks that fight would be “easy money” #UFCParis pic.twitter.com/EoZm0jXztA

— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) September 27, 2024

Related: Paddy Pimblett breaks insane eating record

Paddy Pimblett recently returned to the gym as he looks to shed off the excess pounds in anticipation for his next UFC fight. 

Though it’s unclear who his next opponent will be, the Liverpudlian made a fun proposal to Renato Moicano — no matter whether he wins or loses against Benoit Saint Denis on September 28.

As he continues his push up the rankings, Paddy Pimblett stated that he would love to coach the next season of The Ultimate Fighter alongside his Brazilian counterpart.