Renato
Carneiro is eager to return to action after falling to Rafael dos
Anjos at UFC 272 this past March.
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“I’m just waiting for a UFC call. Just give me four weeks and I’ll
be ready for anyone,” Carneiro told Sherdog.com.
“Moicano” is 3-2 at 155 pounds after moving up from featherweight.
With that in mind, the American Top Team-trained fighter recognizes
he is not in a position to choose opponents.
“As a fighter we must understand our role in the [show]. I’m coming
from a defeat and expecting UFC to offer me some undefeated guy
making his UFC debut or some tough Russian, but that’s not a
problem — I’m used to killing two lions per day and that’s what I
need do that in order to return to the rankings,” he said. But if
they want to give me a surprise gift, Paddy
Pimblett would be very welcome.”
According to Carneiro, the popular Englishman is one of the most
vulnerable fighters in the lightweight division.
“No doubt he has qualities,” Carneiro said. “He is able to absorb
punches and has reasonable ground skill. But his wrestling is no
good, He is not physically strong and his striking is also below
average.
“But we must understand the business, his numbers on social media
are amazing and also his hype with fans, so I totally understand
that the UFC takes care of him. Giving him a guy like ‘Moicano’
would make no sense right now.”
Recognizing that Pimblett is not likely as a next opponent,
Carneiro targeted three options he deems to be more realistic for
his 14th UFC bout.
“Drew
Dober, Jalin
Turner or Brad
Riddell,” he said. “Dober proved once again how tough he is
beating Rafael
Alves last Saturday, but for sure I have the technique to beat
him. A tall guy like Jalin Turner would be a very interesting match
up for me too, but since he is on a winning streak, it would
probably be easier for the UFC to give me his last opponent, Brad
Riddell, who would be a interesting match up for me too.”