Ilir Latifi wants to follow-up with his recent UFC Fight Night 72 smashing of Hans Stringer with a matchup against Brazilian Fabio Maldonado on the upcoming UFC in Dublin card. “We think this is a great wrestler versus standup matchup, and it will help Ilir to climb the rankings” says his Mano Management to MMAViking.com as they try and put the bout together.
Latifi also wants to join his long-time teammate and friend Reza Madadi, that is already booked for the UFC Fight Night 77 versus Norman Parke. The card takes place October 24 at the 3Arena in Ireland’s capital.
With the Allstars Training Center’s recent win, the “Sledgehammer” finally cracked the UFC rankings at #15, while Maldonado sits at #13 making it a battle to climb closer to the top 10.
This isn’t just a one sided callout. “Tom Lawlor, who just knocked out Gian Villante, would also be a great fight for fans. This Polish fighter, Jan Blachowicz, is a good fighter too. Or maybe Ilir Latifi. It’s always a tough fight when you’re facing an opponent in the Top 15. Give me six weeks and I’m ready to fight.” the Brazilian recently told MMAFighting.com.
“Maldonado is a warrior and we believe it will be a great fight for Ilir” says Mano Management that will also have the biggest bout of their team in early October, as Alexander Gustafsson battles Daniel Cormier for the title in Texas at UFC 192.
Latifi has a 10 win, 4 loss, and 1 N/C record and is 3 wins and 2 losses in the Octagon. Maldonado has won his last 4 out of 6 in the Octagon, and most recently lost to Quinton Jackson in April by unanimous decision.
