Demian Maia might soon announce his retirement from the sport of MMA
Demian Maia has had an exceptionally long career in the UFC. He made his UFC debut way back in October 2007 at UFC 77 when he was 29 years old.
The 43-year old Brazilian is considered to be one of the greatest grapplers of all time. He has a total of 12 submission wins in the UFC, with 6 in the welterweight division and 6 in the middleweight division.
Maia challenged twice for the UFC title – for the middleweight championship in 2010, against Anderson Silva, and for the welterweight championship in 2017 against Tyron Woodley; unfortunately unsuccessful in both attempts.
With a record of 28-10, he stepped in to face Belal Muhammad in the main card of UFC 263. In a match largely devoid of action, Muhammad emerged victorious via. unanimous decision to hand Maia, back to back defeats.
Speaking about the Brazilian’s future, UFC President Dana White revealed in the post-fight press conference that, the veteran might have already fought his last fight in the UFC.
““I think that was his last fight. It was the last fight on his deal. He’s [43 years old]. He’s been so good at getting in there, securing the takedown, getting on top of people and just strangling them or grabbing something and twisting it until you quit, and he couldn’t get it done tonight. He’s [43 years old], he’s a great guy, he’s had a great career, and yes, I would say that’s probably it.” [via MMA Fighting]
Prior to the fight Demian Maia had talked about his retirement
Just a few days before his fight against Belal Muhammad, Demian Maia had opened up about his future in the UFC, and eventual retirement.
The Brazilian divulged that, he might fight one more time after his fight at UFC 263. Now that he has lost, it is not known if it would alter the 43-year old’s plans.
Despite all this, Maia is still ranked number 9 in the welterweight division (might change after the rankings update). It goes to show his forever present competent nature.
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