UFC featherweight Renato Moicano believes that, if you want to be a legend, you’ve got to beat the legends. Which is why, with all due respect, he’s standing by his callout of Jose Aldo.

Moicano made quite a career statement last month, when he submitted veteran Cub Swanson in the first round of their UFC 227 encounter. It was a big win, one that prompted some big requests. First, Moicano called for a rematch with No. 1 contender Brian Ortega. Then, the target became former 145-pound champion Aldo.

A month has passed since Moicano (13-1-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) first asked his fellow countryman to dance. Aldo (27-4 MMA, 9-3 UFC), himself, has since pretty much dismissed the idea.

Moicano’s desire, however, remains the same.

“I think now (Aldo) is the fight that (makes the) most sense, because he’s the (No. 2) of the (official UFC ranking), and I’m (No. 4),” Moicano recently told MMAjunkie Radio. “And Frankie Edgar has a fight. I want fights with the guys in the top of the division. He’s Brazilian, we don’t like to fight Brazilians, but it’s my dream to become a champion. And I know if I beat Aldo, the next step is for sure the belt.”

The matchup isn’t exactly a crazy thought. Moicano is, after all, currently ranked No. 6 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA featherweight rankings, with Aldo just ahead at No. 4. Both fighters are coming off “Performance of the Night” wins against divisional standouts. And, with a title bout between champ Max Holloway and Ortega expected to happen at UFC 231, a meeting between the Brazilians could make for a solid No. 1 contender bout.

Unfortunately for Moicano, though, it takes two to tango – and Aldo doesn’t seem that inclined to do so. Speaking to Brazilian media, the former champion said he wasn’t interested in taking 145-pound opponents that sat behind him in the official rankings – which would pretty much exclude anyone not named Holloway or Ortega.

Moicano understands that Aldo, on his end, might just be waiting for a chance to step in, in case either champ or challenger has to withdraw from their title bout. But Moicano’s manager, Alex Davis, thinks the ex-champ should give the up-and-comer a chance.

“It’s not like it’s an easy fight for any of the two men,” Davis said. “If Aldo wants to move forward, and he wants to go again for the title, let him beat Moicano. And the same thing for Moicano. I don’t understand why Aldo is not taking the fight.”

Gallery Renato Moicano def. Cub Swanson at UFC 227: Best photos view 12 images

Davis, however, made sure to stress that the callout came from a place of respect, as Moicano’s career was “built watching Aldo” and the fighter sees the former WEC and UFC 145-pound kingpin as an idol.

Moicano reiterated that sentiment. Although he expressed pause about the idea of fighting another Brazilian, a sentiment we’d heard from other Brazilian fighters before, he also sees a shift in the country’s culture when it comes to the previous habit of labeling those who challenge fellow countrymen as “traitors.”

Ultimately, Moicano has one goal: becoming a champion. And Aldo just so happens to be on his way toward that.

“What you have to know is, the guy is Brazilian, the guy is a legend, but if you want to be a legend, you have to beat a legend,” Moicano said. “You have to put yourself in a place to challenge for the belt. Now the things that people can see more clearly, it is a sport.

“So, if I fight Jose Aldo, maybe I can do more money, maybe more name. And I’m in this (so) the people know me, (so) the people see me. And (for) money, too. So it’s not a bad thing I try to fight big names.”

Either way, in order for this fight to materialize, Aldo would have to say yes. And if that doesn’t end up happening?

“I want to fight the best ranked fighters,” Moicano said. “Maybe Chad Mendes, because he’s behind me (in the rankings). Or Frankie Edgar. I’m not in a hurry to fight, but I want to fight big names because this is a fight that makes more sense for me – maybe not for them, but for me.”

While these calls are ultimately left for Davis, Moicano says he would like the idea of fighting another well ranked opponent on the same card as Holloway vs. Ortega, so he could organically position himself as the No. 1 contender with a win there.

At this point, we’ll have to wait and see what the UFC has in store for Moicano. Whatever – or whomever – it is, though, Moicano is confident that he can take them on.

“I believe I (was) born to be a champion, and I want to use that to change lives in Brazil,” Moicano said. “To inspire people.”

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.

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