Renato ‘Moicano’ Targets Potential Matchups with Dober, Turner, Riddell

Renato Carneiro is eager to return to action after falling to Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 272 this past March.

“I'm just waiting for a UFC call. Just give me four weeks and I'll be ready for anyone,” Carneiro told Sherdog.com.

“Moicano” is 3-2 at 155 pounds after moving up from featherweight. With that in mind, the American Top Team-trained fighter recognizes he is not in a position to choose opponents.

“As a fighter we must understand our role in the [show]. I'm coming from a defeat and expecting UFC to offer me some undefeated guy making his UFC debut or some tough Russian, but that's not a problem — I'm used to killing two lions per day and that's what I need do that in order to return to the rankings,” he said. But if they want to give me a surprise gift, Paddy Pimblett would be very welcome.”

According to Carneiro, the popular Englishman is one of the most vulnerable fighters in the lightweight division.

“No doubt he has qualities,” Carneiro said. “He is able to absorb punches and has reasonable ground skill. But his wrestling is no good, He is not physically strong and his striking is also below average.

“But we must understand the business, his numbers on social media are amazing and also his hype with fans, so I totally understand that the UFC takes care of him. Giving him a guy like ‘Moicano’ would make no sense right now.”

Recognizing that Pimblett is not likely as a next opponent, Carneiro targeted three options he deems to be more realistic for his 14th UFC bout.

“Drew Dober, Jalin Turner or Brad Riddell,” he said. “Dober proved once again how tough he is beating Rafael Alves last Saturday, but for sure I have the technique to beat him. A tall guy like Jalin Turner would be a very interesting match up for me too, but since he is on a winning streak, it would probably be easier for the UFC to give me his last opponent, Brad Riddell, who would be a interesting match up for me too.”