Why did Maldonado take UFC 153 fight with Teixeira? ‘No time left to play around’

RIO DE JANEIRO – Fabio Maldonado is just 32 years old, which is rather youthful in most industries.

But when you punch people in the face for a living, time no longer is on your side.

That’s why Maldonado, who still aspires to hold a UFC title some…

RIO DE JANEIRO – Fabio Maldonado is just 32 years old, which is rather youthful in most industries.

But when you punch people in the face for a living, time no longer is on your side.

That’s why Maldonado, who still aspires to hold a UFC title someday, stepped up and took what so many others wouldn’t: a UFC 153 bout with fast-rising light-heavyweight contender Glover Teixeira.