Renato 'Moicano' Carneiro silenced critics and reaffirmed his standing among the UFC’s most tenacious lightweights on Saturday night, submitting Chris Duncan with a relentless face crank in the second round of UFC Vegas 115’s main event. The Brazilian veteran (21-7-1, 13-7 UFC) snapped a two-fight losing streak against Beneil Dariush and Islam Makhachev, delivering a masterclass in precision and composure against his American Top Team teammate. The victory at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas not only halted Duncan’s UFC momentum but also signaled Moicano’s resurgence as a contender in the crowded 155-pound division.
Moicano’s Road Back to Contention: From Two Losses to a Statement Win
Moicano entered UFC Vegas 115 with his reputation hanging in the balance. After back-to-back losses to Dariush at UFC 314 and Makhachev at UFC Paris, the 37-year-old Brazilian was staring down a potential decline. But Saturday’s performance against Duncan—his third fight since dropping those contests—suggested the veteran still has elite tools. UFC commentator Jon Anik noted during the live broadcast, *“Moicano picked this fight apart with textbook striking and chain wrestling. He showed why he’s been a mainstay in the division for nearly a decade.”*
A Tactical Masterclass: Dissecting Moicano’s Submission Victory
The fight began cautiously, as expected in a high-stakes main event. Moicano, known for his slick boxing and underrated grappling, started with a measured jab before closing the distance for periodic clinches and takedown attempts. By Round 2, he had gauged Duncan’s reactions and found his rhythm. A sharp left hook sent the Scottish fighter stumbling, and Moicano capitalized by immediately taking Duncan’s back—a position he would not relinquish. Pounding Duncan with short, compact punches, Moicano created openings for his signature face crank, a submission that forces opponents to tap due to the unnatural pressure on the neck and jaw.
The finish came after Duncan, bloodied and exhausted, attempted a desperate backward elbow. The misstep gave Moicano the exact opportunity he needed. In a fluid motion, he secured the choke, and Duncan tapped at 3:14 of the second round. Post-fight, Moicano, who trains out of American Top Team in Florida, told reporters, *“I knew if I stayed patient and controlled where the fight went, I’d get my chances. Chris is a tough guy, but I felt like I was in control from the start.”*
The Co-Main Event: Virna Jandiroba’s Grappling Dominance Over Tabatha Ricci
If Moicano’s win showcased technical striking, Virna 'Carcara' Jandiroba’s unanimous decision over Tabatha Ricci in the co-main event highlighted the power of elite grappling in the women’s strawweight division. The 37-year-old Brazilian, a former Invicta FC champion, relied on her bread-and-butter wrestling to control the tempo, landing six takedowns over the three rounds. All three judges scored the fight 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28 in her favor. Jandiroba, known for her relentless top game and submission hunting, rebounded from a title loss to Mackenzie Dern at UFC 321 the previous year.
Ricci’s Late Surge Not Enough to Overcome Jandiroba’s Fundamentals
Ricci, a 12-4 (7-4 UFC) veteran, showed resilience in the final round, increasing her aggression with sharper striking and improved defensive wrestling. She even managed to reverse Jandiroba into top position late in the third stanza, threatening a submission of her own. However, Jandiroba’s ability to scramble and return to her feet ultimately preserved her lead. The fight underscored the importance of grappling mastery in a division where elite wrestlers often dictate terms.
Young Stars Shine: Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev, Ethyn Ewing, and Tommy McMillen Impress
UFC Vegas 115 also served as a platform for rising talent, with three fighters delivering highlight-reel performances. Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev, a 25-year-old Turkish prospect, continued his early-round finishing streak by submitting Brendson Ribeiro with a rear-naked choke just 2:52 into their light heavyweight bout. Yakhyaev, who now boasts a 9-0 professional record, has finished five consecutive fights inside the first round—a trend that has drawn comparisons to early-career performances from UFC champions like Alexander Volkanovski.
Ethyn Ewing Validates UFC Debut with Body Shot KO Over Rafael Estevam
Ethyn 'The Professor Finessor' Ewing, a 28-year-old bantamweight known for his technical striking, made his second UFC appearance a memorable one. Ewing dismantled Rafael Estevam (14-1, 3-1 UFC) with a liver shot and hammerfist combo at 1:44 of the third round, ending Estevam’s unbeaten streak. The victory extended Ewing’s professional winning streak to 10 fights and solidified his reputation as a rising contender in the 135-pound division.
Tommy McMillen Starts UFC Career with First-Round KO of Manolo Zecchini
Tommy McMillen, a 28-year-old featherweight and former Dana White’s Contender Series alum, made a statement in his UFC debut. The Montana native overwhelmed Manolo Zecchini with a barrage of knees and punches inside a round, securing a first-round technical knockout. McMillen’s composed striking and ability to close the distance bodes well for his future in the competitive 145-pound division.
Jose Mauro Delano and the Underrated Depth of UFC’s Featherweight Division
Rounding out the card, Jose Mauro Delano (17-3, 1-0 UFC) made a winning promotional debut with a unanimous decision over Robert Ruchala. Delano, a former Legacy Fighting Alliance standout, showcased a balanced skill set, mixing crisp combinations with varied kicks. His victory was aided by a critical mistake from Ruchala, who was docked a point in Round 3 for grabbing the cage during a takedown defense—highlighting the fine margins in MMA judging and rule enforcement.
- Renato 'Moicano' Carneiro snapped a two-fight losing streak with a dominant submission win over Chris Duncan at UFC Vegas 115, reaffirming his status as a top-tier lightweight.
- Virna Jandiroba’s grappling mastery led to a unanimous decision victory over Tabatha Ricci, showcasing the importance of wrestling in women’s MMA.
- Young prospects Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev, Ethyn Ewing, and Tommy McMillen delivered standout performances, signaling the next wave of UFC talent.
- The event underscored the depth of the UFC’s lightweight and featherweight divisions, with veterans and newcomers alike making strong statements.
What’s Next for Moicano and the UFC’s Lightweight Division?
With his victory in Las Vegas, Moicano has positioned himself for another shot at the top 15 of the UFC lightweight rankings. His next logical step could be a matchup against a ranked contender like Jalin Turner or Dan Hooker, both of whom are on separate three-fight win streaks. For Duncan, the loss marks a setback in his UFC journey, though his resilience and potential upside remain undeniable. The division, meanwhile, continues to evolve, with rising stars like Islam Makhachev (now champion) and Charles Oliveira’s former foes like Arman Tsarukyan and Drew Dober vying for the next big opportunities.
The Broader Implications of UFC Vegas 115’s Results
UFC Vegas 115 wasn’t just another Saturday night card—it was a microcosm of the UFC’s ever-shifting landscape. For Moicano, the win was a lifeline, proving that experience and precision can still overcome recency bias in a youth-obsessed sport. For the co-main event, Jandiroba’s performance reinforced the value of grappling in an era where stylistic versatility is increasingly rewarded. Meanwhile, the early finishes by Yakhyaev, Ewing, and McMillen highlighted the league’s commitment to developing knockout artists and submission specialists, ensuring the product remains as unpredictable as it is entertaining.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How did Renato Moicano earn his submission victory over Chris Duncan?
- Moicano secured a face crank submission at 3:14 of the second round after landing a left hook to stumble Duncan, taking his back, and capitalizing on Duncan’s ill-advised backward elbow to lock in the choke.
- What was Virna Jandiroba’s game plan against Tabatha Ricci?
- Jandiroba relied on her grappling, landing six takedowns over three rounds while using her top game to control Ricci, who struggled to keep pace despite a late surge in aggression.
- Which UFC Vegas 115 fighters made their promotional debuts?
- Ethyn Ewing, Tommy McMillen, and Jose Mauro Delano all made their UFC debuts on Saturday, with Ewing and McMillen earning first-round stops while Delano won a decision.
