Maldonado made himself available to face Cro Cop at Rizin FF 3, in December. (Photo: Getty Images)
If it depends on the light heavyweight Fabio Maldonado, Mirko Cro Cop already has a new opponent to face at Rizin FF 3, scheduled for the 29th. Maldonado, who had a fight scheduled for Imortal FC 6, next Saturday (10), was removed from the card due to a gum surgery, but assured that he will be in a position to fight again at the end of the month, making himself available to face the Croatian, who was left without an opponent after the Brazilian Wanderlei Silva claim an injury and leave the event.
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“It (recovery) is quick. I even said that I would accept replacing Wanderlei. I don't think I could fight now, but later on there would be no problem. They haven't responded to me yet, but I haven't spoken to Sartori (Stéfano, his manager) either. I was in such a good rhythm to fight now that I believe that, even if I had to stay put until Wednesday, I would be able to (do the fight with Cro Cop). There would have to be a release of “Fight Nights”. If this release came out it would be easier. And they (at Rizin) accept me too” revealed the fighter, in an interview with the website 'Combate.com'.
Fabio Maldonado He was fired from the UFC at the beginning of this year, and signed a contract with the Russian event Eurasia Fight Nights, where he has already had two fights. In June, he faced the legend Fedor Emelianenko, in a very controversial duel, which initially ended in victory for Fedor. Subsequently, the World MMA Association (WMMAA) changed the result to a draw, after the Brazilian filed an appeal. In his most recent duel, he was defeated again, this time by Mikhail Mokhnatkin, in October. At 36 years old, the “Steel Hillbilly” has a professional record of 22 wins and 10 losses and one draw.
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