Earlier tonight at UFC Vegas 123, Renato Moicano suffered a TKO loss to Australia’s Tom Nolan. However, a controversial referee’s decision during the fight may have played a major role in the Brazilian’s defeat.
Fight Recap
In the first round, just when it looked like the young Nolan would pose problems for Moicano in the striking department, the Brazilian made a perfectly timed level change even after getting clipped, secured a takedown, and locked in a body triangle.
For the remainder of the round, Moicano controlled the fight. He gave “Big Train” no chance to escape and hunted for a rear-naked choke on multiple occasions but failed to sink in the perfect one.
In Round 2, Nolan once more looked sharp. He landed high kicks that briefly rocked Moicano. But Money Moicano absorbed the shots, walked forward, and secured a body lock. He dragged Nolan back to the mat, took the Aussie’s back again, and started suffocating the 26-year-old.
However, the referee decided to stand both fighters up while Moicano had Nolan’s back. That decision ultimately proved costly for the Brazilian because as soon as the fight returned to the feet, Nolan battered him.
He stunned the 37-year-old with a high kick and a knee to the head as Moicano was attempting another level change to score a takedown.
Nolan dropped Moicano with the aforementioned shot and followed up with ground-and-pound. The former UFC title challenger somehow managed to survive the remainder of the seconds and make it to the third.
In the third stanza, an exhausted Moicano was dropped again by a knee from Nolan, after which “Big Train” secured full mount next and unleashed ground-and-pound, including vicious elbows, forcing the referee to step in and save Moicano from further punishment.
Official decison: Tom Nolan defeated Renato Moicano by TKO in Round 3 (1:28) at UFC Vegas 123.
UFC Vegas 123: Renato Moicano vs. Tom Nolan – Highlights
