Renato Moicano recently grabbed attention in the MMA world by humorously suggesting he was ready to step in as a short-notice replacement for the Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev fight, part of the latest Khamzat Chimaev UFC fight updates. This joke surfaced amid speculation surrounding the main event due to some weigh-in delays, creating a viral moment within the community.
The playful post came from Moicano’s “Show Me The Money” podcast account on social media platform X, where it shared footage of him making a tough weight cut to fight at middleweight. Since Moicano typically competes at lightweight, a move to middleweight on short notice seemed absurd and added to the humor. The joke implied Moicano was preparing as a backup fighter after rumors of complications between Du Plessis and Chimaev.
Despite the jest, no replacement was necessary as Dricus Du Plessis eventually arrived on time for the weigh-ins, exceeding expectations by making weight comfortably. The brief delay caused some fans to question whether the fight would proceed as planned, but it ultimately remained on the card.
Demetrious Johnson Expresses Confidence in Dricus Du Plessis’s Chances Against Khamzat Chimaev
Former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson weighed in on the upcoming matchup, expressing belief that Du Plessis could challenge Chimaev effectively at UFC 319. Johnson praised the South African fighter for his experience against top contenders and highlighted Du Plessis’s unpredictable fighting style, which combines striking with an uncanny ability to recover quickly from mistakes and still threaten opponents.
Johnson stated,
“Renato Moicano makes weight as short-notice replacement as he is made aware of complications in the main event.”
—Renato Moicano, Fighter
Support for Du Plessis extends beyond Johnson, as fellow fighter Tom Aspinall has publicly backed Chimaev but also recognized him as a tough test for any opponent. Aspinall predicts that Chimaev will continue to remain undefeated following the fight, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown.
Details on Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev Fight Timing and Expectations
The fight between Du Plessis and Chimaev is scheduled to attract viewers from over 20 countries, including major markets like the USA and South Africa. Fans are closely watching how the bout will unfold, especially with the underlying tension regarding Chimaev’s wrestling prowess, which Du Plessis has openly downplayed, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of mixed martial arts.
Du Plessis has stated,
“This is not grappling or wrestling this is MMA,”
challenging the common focus on Chimaev’s wrestling skills and signaling his confidence in his all-around abilities. As the fight approaches, anticipation builds over whether Du Plessis can pull off an upset or if Chimaev will maintain his dominance.