Renato Moicano Urges Alex Pereira to Rescue UFC 324
Renato Moicano has called on Alex Pereira to step in and save UFC 324 after the withdrawal of bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison. Harrison will undergo surgery for a neck injury, sidelining her for several months. This change significantly affects UFC 324, which is set to feature an interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett.
UFC 324’s Current Status
The cancellation of the Harrison vs. Nunes bout leaves UFC 324 in a precarious position. Moicano expressed concern that the card may not have enough star power to attract viewers. The event is crucial as it marks the UFC’s first show on Paramount+, following a multi-billion dollar deal for exclusive streaming rights.
Moicano’s Appeal to Pereira
In a recent YouTube video, Moicano stated that Pereira could be the key to maintaining interest in the event. He suggested that UFC President Dana White should reach out to Pereira, the reigning light heavyweight champion, to fight on short notice and potentially become the heavyweight champion.
- Kayla Harrison: Withdrawn due to neck surgery.
- Co-Main Event: Originally scheduled to feature Amanda Nunes vs. Kayla Harrison.
- Main Event: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title.
- New Proposal: Moicano believes Pereira should step in to save UFC 324.
Implications of the Deal with Paramount+
The UFC’s transition to Paramount+ reflects its shift in strategy, moving away from traditional pay-per-view models. This change places additional pressure on the promotion to attract a broad audience. Moicano emphasized the need for big names like Pereira to keep subscriptions flowing.
Moicano’s Bold Predictions
Moicano expressed confidence that Pereira could not only join the card but prevail against top contender Ciryl Gane. He noted that fans and the general public are less likely to subscribe without marquee matchups.
As the UFC looks to impress during its debut on Paramount+, the urgency to solidify a compelling fight card is evident. The promotion must find a way to maintain momentum in light of recent setbacks, with Pereira’s potential involvement seen as a key to success.
Conclusion
Renato Moicano’s call for Alex Pereira to step in for UFC 324 highlights the importance of star power in drawing audiences. With Kayla Harrison’s withdrawal, the UFC faces challenges that may significantly affect its viewership and subscriber growth. Only time will tell if Pereira answers the call and how that will impact UFC 324’s fate.
