Why did Renato Moicano change his name?

Last Modified Jan 19, 2025 03:22 GMT
UFC Fight Night: Moicano v Saint Denis
UFC Fight Night: Moicano v Saint Denis

The lightweight division is one of the most looked-up and electrifying divisions of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Being a No.10 ranked contender in such a division means Renato Moicano is not just top tier with his performance inside the cage, but also entertains fight fans around the globe.

With more than a decade of expertise in the sport, the Brazilian mixed martial artist maintains a record of 20 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw, as of January 2025. The methods of his wins are via submission(10), decision(8), and knockout(2), respectively. Moreover, coming off a second-round finish against Benoit Saint-Denis in Paris, France, Moicano is now gearing up for his next showdown against the UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev on January 18, 2025.

Renato Moicano’s name change

Renato Moicano was earlier known as Renato Alves Carneiro. He changed his surname to Moicano, which was earlier his nickname during school.

While talking to UFC announcer, Brendan Fitzgerald in his podcast, Renato Moicano exclaimed about the story of why he was called Moicano in the first place. Carneiro had a bet with his father whether or not he dared to change his hairstyle to a mohawk. Carneiro collected money from his father and changed his hairstyle to a mohawk. However, people on the street and his school started calling him ‘Moicano’ which meant mohawk in Portuguese.

Initially, Renato Carneiro did not like his nickname. With time, he changed his stage name from Carneiro to Moicano. Now he is widely known as Renato Moicano, around the globe.

Even though Renato Moicano started training at the age of 8, his father wanted him to become a professional lawyer. However, Moicano dropped out of law college to pursue his career in mixed martial arts.

As per multiple reports, Moicano was brought up in a well-off family. Hence, unlike most UFC fighters, he did not compete in order to keep his hunger away. In fact, the veteran fighter made his way into the sport only out of love for it.

Also Read: What type of fighter is Renato Moicano?

FAQs on Renato Moicano

A. Renato Carneiro changed his name to Renato Moicano as he was called ‘Moicano’ during his young days when he got himself a mohawk hairstyle. 

A. ‘Moicano’ refers to mohawk in Portuguese. 

A. With more than a decade of expertise in the sport, the Brazilian mixed martial artist maintains a record of 20 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw. 

A. Renato Moicano will face Islam Makhachev in his next fight. 

A. Born in Brasilia, Distrito Federal, Renato Moicano is a Brazilian citizen, who represents his country inside the octagon. 

Related Stories

"You're white trash" - When Renato Moicano savagely slammed Sean Strickland for "cringe af" Joe Rogan interview "You're white trash" - When Renato Moicano savagely slammed Sean Strickland for "cringe af" Joe Rogan interview
"You're white trash" - When Renato Moicano savagely slammed Sean Strickland for "cringe af" Joe Rogan interview
Conor Benn challenges Ilia Topuria for crossover boxing match while admitting he isn't "stupid enough to go in the cage" Conor Benn challenges Ilia Topuria for crossover boxing match while admitting he isn't "stupid enough to go in the cage"
Conor Benn challenges Ilia Topuria for crossover boxing match while admitting he isn't "stupid enough to go in the cage"
‘Reug Reug’ blown away by Rodtang’s explosive KO of Takeru: “He’s just on another planet” ‘Reug Reug’ blown away by Rodtang’s explosive KO of Takeru: “He’s just on another planet”
‘Reug Reug’ blown away by Rodtang’s explosive KO of Takeru: “He’s just on another planet”
1d
Dricus du Plessis addresses criticism about his unorthodox style ahead of UFC 319: "I’m not there to look pretty" Dricus du Plessis addresses criticism about his unorthodox style ahead of UFC 319: "I’m not there to look pretty"
Dricus du Plessis addresses criticism about his unorthodox style ahead of UFC 319: "I’m not there to look pretty"
1d
"U're next on the menu" - Fans react as Dricus du Plessis showers praise on Anthony Hernandez for dominant UFC Vegas 109 win "U're next on the menu" - Fans react as Dricus du Plessis showers praise on Anthony Hernandez for dominant UFC Vegas 109 win
"U're next on the menu" - Fans react as Dricus du Plessis showers praise on Anthony Hernandez for dominant UFC Vegas 109 win
17h
Powerbomb KO at UFC Vegas 109, two boxers die from injuries sustained on same card, Dricus du Plessis impressed by Anthony Hernandez: MMA News Roundup Powerbomb KO at UFC Vegas 109, two boxers die from injuries sustained on same card, Dricus du Plessis impressed by Anthony Hernandez: MMA News Roundup
Powerbomb KO at UFC Vegas 109, two boxers die from injuries sustained on same card, Dricus du Plessis impressed by Anthony Hernandez: MMA News Roundup
17h
What is David Adeleye's ethnicity? A closer look at the British boxing champion's cultural roots What is David Adeleye's ethnicity? A closer look at the British boxing champion's cultural roots
What is David Adeleye's ethnicity? A closer look at the British boxing champion's cultural roots
2h
MMA analyst breaks down how Khamzat Chimaev's striking could match up against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319: "He could win" MMA analyst breaks down how Khamzat Chimaev's striking could match up against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319: "He could win"
MMA analyst breaks down how Khamzat Chimaev's striking could match up against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319: "He could win"
9m
Daniel Cormier details Dricus du Plessis' one "honorable" action that impressed him ahead of UFC 319 Daniel Cormier details Dricus du Plessis' one "honorable" action that impressed him ahead of UFC 319
Daniel Cormier details Dricus du Plessis' one "honorable" action that impressed him ahead of UFC 319
1d
Jon Jones responds to Khamzat Chimaev labeling him "scary": "Says a lot about his character" Jon Jones responds to Khamzat Chimaev labeling him "scary": "Says a lot about his character"
Jon Jones responds to Khamzat Chimaev labeling him "scary": "Says a lot about his character"
3h
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
down arrow icon
More
bell-icon Manage notifications