Verdict's Sleeper Fight of the Week: Moicano vs. Turner

This fight takes place in the Lightweight (155 lbs.) division.

Renato Moicano has a professional record of 18-5-1 and has won four of his last five outings. He holds UFC victories over Drew Dober, Calvin Kattar, and Brad Riddell.

Jalin Turner has a professional record of 14-7-0 and has won three of his last five bouts. He holds UFC victories over Bobby Green, Jamie Mullarkey, and Josh Culibao.

Renato Moicano lands a right hook on Rafael Dos Anjos. Credit: MMA Mania.

Moicano is a grappling ace with an excellent submission game but is more than willing to throw down on the feet. With only five of his fifteen bouts in the promotion going the distance, he fights with a “kill or be killed” mentality. He won’t often waste too much time before shooting in for a takedown, usually securing them quickly and immediately advancing position on the ground. Moicano is dangerous on top, especially if he takes his opponent’s back, with all his career submissions coming via rear-naked choke. He’s aggressive on the ground, always trying to move to a better position, but he is also intelligent and rarely puts himself in danger. On the feet, he has solid speed and power in his hands and loves to throw uppercuts and elbows when in close.

Jalin Turner blasts Dan Hooker with a head kick. Credit: Zuffa LLC.

Turner is an excellent striker who usually fights in an upright stance and throws everything in combination. He constantly pursues a finish but remains patient, never overextending or telegraphing attacks. He has power in both hands and is very fluid on the feet, quickly chaining attacks together and using various strikes. Turner is as active on the ground as on the feet and constantly tries to improve position or find a finish. He is a huge lightweight, standing at 6’3, and uses his length by fighting at range and damaging his opponent without getting hit. He has serious speed and power in both hands and has shown solid cardio, making him dangerous at any time.

Jalin Turner rains down ground and pound onto Bobby Green. Credit: MMA Mania.

This is a fight you definitely won’t want to miss.