Fabio Rogério Maldonado was born on March 17, 1980, in Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil.
Unlike many of his peers, he didn’t gravitate towards the popular Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or soccer. Instead, he found his passion in boxing and mixed martial arts.
In this article, you will learn about Fabio Maldonado’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Fabio Maldonado’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Fabio Rogério Maldonado |
| Nickname | “Caipira de Aço” (Iron Hillbilly) |
| Date of Birth | March 17, 1980 |
| Place of Birth | Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil |
| Height | 6’1″ (185.42 cm) |
| Weight | 227 lbs (102.97 kg) |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Fighting Style | Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts |
Growing up in a country known for its rich martial arts culture, Maldonado developed an early interest in combat sports.
Early Career
Maldonado’s journey in combat sports began with boxing. He had an impressive amateur boxing career, boasting a record of 40-5 with 27 knockouts.
This early success in the ring laid the foundation for his future in combat sports.
Professional Career
In September 2000, Maldonado made his professional MMA debut at the Surf Fight Circuit in Brazil.
UFC debut in October 2010, 5 wins in the UFC, including victories over notable fighters like Gian Villante and Hans Stringer.
After his UFC run, Maldonado continued to fight in other promotions, including Fight Nights Global and Rizin Fighting Federation.
Fabio Maldonado’s Net Worth Details
Fabio Maldonado’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million as of 2025.
Contract
Throughout his career, Maldonado has had contracts with various MMA promotions and boxing organizations.
His most notable contract was with the UFC, which spanned from 2010 to 2015.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Estimated Purse(s) |
|---|---|---|
| UFC Fight Night 77 | Corey Anderson | $36,000 |
| UFC 186 | Quinton Jackson | $42,000 |
| UFC Fight Night 38 | Gian Villante | $50,000 |
| UFC 163 | Joey Beltran | $29,000 |
| UFC 153 | Glover Teixeira | $27,000 |
Notable Fights
| Date | Opponent | Event | Result | Method | Round | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 2016 | Fedor Emelianenko | EFN 50 | Loss | Decision (Majority) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Nov 7, 2015 | Corey Anderson | UFC Fight Night | Loss | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Oct 25, 2014 | Hans Stringer | UFC 179 | Win | TKO (Punches) | 2 | 4:06 |
| Jun 4, 2011 | Kyle Kingsbury | TUF 13 Finale | Loss | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Oct 16, 2010 | James McSweeney | UFC 120 | Win | TKO | 3 | 0:48 |
| Mar 15, 2008 | Maiquel Falcao | Predador FC 9 | Win | TKO (Punches) | 2 | N/A |
| Nov 10, 2007 | Alexandre Ferreira | MTL – Final | Loss | Submission (Kneebar) | 1 | N/A |
| Sep 22, 2000 | Augusto Menezes Santos | SFC – Surf Fight Circuit Day 1 | Win | KO (Punches) | 2 | N/A |
Career Records
| Sport | Wins | Losses | Draws | No Contests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MMA | 28 | 17 | 0 | 0 |
| Boxing | 26 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
FAQs
When did Fabio Maldonado start his MMA career?
Maldonado made his professional MMA debut in September 2000.
What is Fabio Maldonado’s nickname?
His nickname is “Caipira de Aço,” which translates to “Iron Hillbilly” in English.
How many fights did Maldonado have in the UFC?
Maldonado had 11 fights in the UFC between 2010 and 2015.
Has Fabio Maldonado ever been a champion in MMA?
While Maldonado has had a successful career, he has not held a major MMA championship title.
What is Maldonado’s boxing record?
Maldonado’s professional boxing record stands at 26 wins and 4 losses.
What is Fabio Maldonado known for in his fighting style?
Maldonado is known for his boxing skills, toughness, and ability to absorb punishment while continuing to fight.
Has Maldonado fought any notable MMA fighters?
Yes, he has faced several high-profile fighters including Glover Teixeira, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, and Fedor Emelianenko.
What weight classes has Maldonado competed in?
Maldonado has primarily competed as a Light Heavyweight in MMA and as a Heavyweight in boxing.
Is Fabio Maldonado still actively competing?
Maldonado is still active in both MMA and boxing, although his fight frequency has decreased in recent years.
What is considered Maldonado’s most memorable fight?
Many fans consider his controversial split decision loss to Fedor Emelianenko in 2016 as one of his most memorable fights, due to the competitive nature of the bout and the disputed decision.
