Dos Anjos in No-Win Situation Versus Moicano
So it isn’t the “Battle of the Rafaels” as originally planned, but Rafael Dos Anjos gets to stay in the UFC 272 co-main event (at five rounds) against a new opponent, Renato Moicano. The UFC betting odds now favor Dos Anjos, who will need to put on a clinic against an unranked fighter who usually fights at a weight division lower.
- Date: Saturday, March 5, 10 p.m. ET
- Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV, United States
- Watch on: Pay-per-view
Rafael Dos Anjos vs Renato Moicano
- Weight Class: Catchweight (160)
- Rounds: Five (Co-Main Event)
- Moneyline: Renato Moicano +140, Rafael Dos Anjos -170
- Totals: Over 4½ (-115), Under 4½ (-115)
This is a tough spot for the former champion, Dos Anjos (RDA). If he beats Moicano, it barely does anything for his ranking. But if he loses to him? He can kiss his contender status goodbye. As such, Dos Anjos (30-13-0) will need to beat Moicano (16-4-1) from pillar to post. The online gambling odds indicate this may not be the case though…
Will Moicano Win on Short Training Camp?
Renato Moicano is a “bad man” and now is his chance to make a name for himself. Moicano has been in the UFC since 2014 and has compiled a respectable 8-4 record. But these four losses are significant as it’s mostly come against top contenders and ranked opponents from both the 145- and 155-pound divisions.
But you can’t keep a good fighter like Moicano down as he is now on a two-fight winning streak. His last four wins have also come via a submission, which is his strength. Moicano is one of the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) players in the UFC.
Fighting five rounds on four days notice! @MoicanoUFC is one baaad man 🔥 #UFC272 pic.twitter.com/8698zjWnZg
— UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) March 2, 2022
However, Moicano is also cutting weight on four days’ notice and will barely have a training camp. In a five-round fight, Moicano may not have the endurance or strategy to hang. His best shot is to win within the first two rounds so backers best bet online on this.
It’s Domination or Bust for Dos Anjos
The newer fans may not know this. But Rafael Dos Anjos has built a Hall of Fame-worthy resume. The former lightweight king has not only beaten but also dominated all-time greats like Anthony Pettis and Donald Cerrone (twice). But since losing his belt, he has been a .500 fighter.
Past his prime, Dos Anjos is a complete fighter. He has finished ranked fighters on the ground and on his feet. Generally, only championship-caliber fighters have beaten him: Kamaru Usman, Colby Covington, and Tony Ferguson.
A loss to Michael Chiesa, a grappler, and a grappling match loss to Cerrone raise some red flags, however. Dos Anjos has one of the best BJJ but he is prone to mistakes. He can ill-afford any against Moicano as he has everything to lose.
Who Wins?
Dos Anjos being at his current price seems like a conservative line given how dangerous Renato Moicano is as a short-notice opponent. Wherever this fight goes, Moicano will be dangerous. He was piecing up Brian Ortega and made short work of Cub Swanson. But he has always had a suspect chin and gas tank.
That won’t cut it against RDA, who has been a workhorse throughout his career. Dos Anjos may drop the first round here but the longer this fight goes, the more it benefits him. Take Dos Anjos at -170 now while his line is this long or parlay it with Colby Covington for an even payout.
Pick: Rafael Dos Anjos -170
Additionally, this one may not go that long. Moicano will start running out of gas past the first two rounds. Once that happens, Dos Anjos will light him up and finish him off. This could be the best UFC bet by itself.
