Official: Arman Tsarukyan to face Renato Moicano at UFC Fight Night on April 29

For the UFC Vegas 72 main event, Arman Tsarukyan and Renato Moiciano have been paired together.

On April 29, number eight-ranked Tsarukyan will face number thirteen-ranked Moicano, most likely at the UFC Apex. Both lightweights are looking to improve on their recent victories and move closer to the top five standings.

The UFC lightweight division is entering a new phase. There is a need for new talent because superstars like Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, and Dustin Poirier are likely just beginning the second halves of their careers. Tsarukyan, Rafael Fiziev, and Mateusz Gamrot are the 155-pounders of the future.

Tsarukyan last competed in December 2022, winning a majority decision over Damir Ismagulov. The 26-year-old had recently lost to Gamrot in one of the year's best bouts. He now intends to eliminate Moicano in order to gain more ground.

Meanwhile, Moicano has faced several high-profile opponents in the UFC, but his last fight was a breakout moment. The Brazilian lightweight defeated Brad Riddell by first-round submission, leading to a highly-entertaining post-fight interview demanding more money in a fun way.

Although Arman Tsarukyan is five places higher than Renato Moicano in the rankings, their positions in the UFC lightweight division are comparable. A thin line separates the top five 155-pounders from everyone else in terms of popularity as well as ability.

Tsarukyan and Moicano must therefore keep winning in order to advance. One can use the primary event spotlight on April 29 to move forward. Whoever prevails might possibly face a top-five opponent the following time out.