Fabio Maldonado was a huge underdog in his first post-UFC fight, facing legendary heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko in Russia at Friday’s Fight Night Global 50. And even though a majority decision loss will forever stand in his record, the Brazilian returns to Sao Paulo feeling victorious.
"I have the utmost respect for Fedor, he’s the most humble fighter I’ve ever met in my life, and I’m happy that I fought here. But I think I won the fight, right?" Maldonado told MMA Fighting a few hours after the fight. "I didn’t lose that third round.