Tom Nolan says MMA helped him escape troubled hometown before UFC main event

Tom Nolan hopes his rise to the Ultimate Fighting Championship main event spotlight can inspire aspiring fighters to pursue their ambitions, regardless of where they come from. The Australian lightweight will headline UFC Vegas 123 against Renato “Money” Moicano on Oct. 31 at Meta Apex in Las Vegas. Speaking at UFC media day, Nolan reflected on his upbringing and his desire to show others that they can build a future around their passions.Tom Nolan hopes his journey from small-town Australia to facing Renato Moicano inspires aspiring fighters Nolan sees his first UFC main event as an opportunity to encourage fighters who might consider a similar career beyond their reach. “I like to be able to hopefully someday be an inspiration for other fighters who are on the come up,” Nolan said. “Hopefully they can look at me and go, I can do this. It doesn't matter where I come from or who I am or what I'm supposed to be.” He described his hometown as a place where crime and drugs made it difficult to envision a different future. “I come from a very small, small town. It's the like theft capital of Australia. It's one of the drug capitals. It's like not many people really get out of there. You're not really supposed to, if you, if you're from there,” he said. Nolan hopes his journey encourages others in similar circumstances to find a passion and pursue their goals. “I got into this sport to escape that. And I'm sure there's plenty of other people who want to escape that. So I would like to be a beacon if I can for that,” Nolan added.“It’s just proof of dedication and hard work.” Tom Nolan wants to show he is ready for the next level as he heads into his first main event assignment. #UFCVegas123 Fight by Fight Preview ➡️: https://t.co/XZGqrmLYHh https://t.co/XJ5qvMgSi2— UFC News (@UFCNews) October 28, 2026