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

There was no shortage of excitement when the UFC on ESPN+ 12 headliner was announced between Renato Moicano and “The Korean Zombie,” Chan Sung Jung.

Count Moicano among those who were excited for the matchup, which takes place Saturday at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. The event streams on ESPN+.

“I was very excited because I like ‘Korean Zombie’s’ style,” Moicano told MMA Junkie. “He brings the war to the octagon, he brings the fight, and I think I do the same. I think it’ll be a great matchup, and you can’t miss it.”

Moicano (13-2-1 MMA, 5-2 UFC) is coming off of a second-round TKO loss to former featherweight champion Jose Aldo and is looking to get back in the win column. While losing via finish sets most fighters back, Moicano was able to score a main-event fight against a well-respected name in the division in Jung (14-5 MMA, 4-2 UFC) and said he’s thankful for the opportunity.

“This feels good because after a loss, maybe you go back to the prelims,” Moicano said. “But the UFC gave me a main event and I’m grateful for that. I’ll do everything I can to show them that I can fight with the best in the division and put my name at the top of the division.”

His most recent fight tentatively had been scheduled for five rounds before Aldo opted for a three-round fight, which landed them in the co-main event spot at UFC Fortaleza. Moicano said he’s aware of the challenges that come in a five-round fight.

“I always train as hard as I can, but in a five-round fight, you have to control the pace,” Moicano said. “You have to be smart and not get tired early. This is something I’ve worked for my whole life. I’ve always been thinking about being in the main event and being a champion, and this is very inspiring for me.”

Moicano’s fights often are high-paced and action-packed, and his most recent one against Aldo was no different. Although it wasn’t the result he was looking for, he thinks that he’s grown exponentially since then.

“It was a disappointing loss for me, but I don’t think about this anymore because you have to observe and grow from this, and that’s what I’m trying to do,” Moicano said. “After that loss, I went back to Florida and trained as hard as I can, evolving my skills.

“I think I’m much better than last fight. Maybe I respected Aldo too much, and I won’t make the same mistake now.”

Jung is coming off of a disappointing setback himself, a devastating high elbow knockout loss to Yair Rodriguez with mere seconds remaining in the fight – a bout many believed Jung was winning. Despite that, Moicano said he knows he’s in for a battle, but thinks he’s ready wherever the fight goes.

“I think I’m better than him in every area,” Moicano said. “I think I’m a better striker and grappler. We have to see where the fight goes, and I know I’m better. I don’t give up and he doesn’t give up so it’ll be a war.”

Featherweight champion Max Holloway has run through most of the division, but he is yet to fight Moicano. With Alexander Volkanovski right behind him in the rankings, and Frankie Edgar next in line for a title shot, Moicano knows he still has a little bit of work to do to get a crack at the title.

“I have to perform well, and after that I’ll try to fight with someone like Volkanovski, (Brian) Ortega or Zabit (Magomedsharipov) to get a title shot,” Moicano said.

Moicano said he’s surprised it was Edgar, not Volkanovski, who got the call to fight Holloway for the title – but he understands why.

“I think the No. 1 contender is Volkanovski,” Moicano said. “He deserves it more than Frankie. But Frankie is a really big name, and he’s a legend. I think Volkanovski has more momentum because he beat Aldo and (Chad) Mendes. Edgar had a one-year layoff, but he has a big name, so I don’t have an issue with it. I think Max will win – he’s taller and bigger and has good takedown defense.”

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