F. Maldonado (photo) wants a violent fight against the former champion. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
Many MMA fighters prefer to win their fights quickly, suffering as little damage as possible inside the Octagon. However, this is not the case for Fábio Maldonado, who, at UFC 186, this Saturday (25), hopes to stage a real battle against the veteran Quinton Rampage Jackson.
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Inspired by the classic films featuring the character Rocky Balboa, the Brazilian, who will have the second most important fight of the night, hopes that his fight against the former light heavyweight champion will be violent. “I want a bloody fight. This won't shorten my career, I don't take punches in training. I love [fights like that], because I watched Rocky Balboa movies and I wanted to be Rocky Balboa when I was 10 years old. That’s why I like bloody fights”, said Maldonado, in an interview with the North American website “MMA Fighting”.
However, until confirmation of his fight against Rampage, Maldonado experienced a whirlwind of emotions. The fight was originally confirmed for the card, but, shortly after, Rampage was cut from the event due to a legal dispute with Bellator. Replaced by Steve Bosse, the American returned to the attraction this week, when the injunction was reversed, allowing him to be cast again at UFC 186.
Maldonado admitted that he was nervous upon discovering the news, but highlights that the fight against Rampage it was an old dream. “I was a little nervous in my room. I always asked for this fight – I've wanted to fight him since 2003, but now I was already focused on someone else. I was thoughtful for a few hours, but everything was fine and in the end I was very happy,” he said.
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