Renato Moicano has addressed the controversial referee intervention that disrupted his fight against Tom Nolan at UFC Vegas 123, admitting that the decision frustrated him and affected his focus.
Despite his criticism of Dan Miragliotta’s call, the Brazilian veteran has made it clear that he will not pursue an official complaint.
Moicano faced Nolan in the main event of the October 31 card in Las Vegas. The former title challenger initially found success with his grappling, controlling the Australian prospect during the opening rounds of their lightweight contest.
However, the fight took a dramatic turn in the second round when Miragliotta unexpectedly ordered the fighters to stand up while Moicano had Nolan’s back. “Big Train” subsequently landed a knockdown and finished Moicano with a third-round TKO.
The referee’s intervention drew widespread criticism from fighters and members of the UFC broadcast team, with “Money” now adding his voice to the discussion.
Renato Moicano Slams Dan Miragliotta But Refuses To Appeal UFC Vegas 123 Loss
Speaking to MMA Fighting, Moicano admitted that the referee’s decision caught him off guard and left him frustrated.
I was a little frustrated with the referee standing the fight up, too,” Moicano said. “I was a little frustrated, and frustration is a bad thing. But that’s it, it’s over. What can I do? There’s nothing I can do about it.
“Money” also questioned whether Miragliotta had issued any warnings before intervening, noting that he had never witnessed a fighter being stood up while controlling an opponent’s back or mount position.
Moicano acknowledged that his frustration contributed to his loss of concentration, allowing Nolan to capitalize with damaging strikes.
I was clearly frustrated, and I got caught with some shots afterwards. I came back for the third round and I wasn’t in a good place, but that’s it. There’s not much else to say. It was the wrong decision, but it’s not going to change anything. I lost, that’s it.
Although he expressed his anger toward the veteran referee in blunt terms, Moicano confirmed that he would not appeal the result to the Nevada Athletic Commission or request that Miragliotta be barred from officiating his future fights.
I want him to go f*ck himself, him and everyone else,” Moicano said. “I don’t give a sh*t.
Instead, the 37-year-old accepted responsibility for failing to finish Nolan, despite believing he was the superior fighter.
The next person I need to blame is myself,” Moicano said. “I should have finished that guy. That’s the truth. I’m better than that guy, but he defended well. He had good defense.
The defeat leaves Moicano with a 3-3 record across his last six fights, a stretch that includes his short-notice challenge against Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight title.
