Demian Maia fought the last fight remaining on his UFC contract. However, he is hoping UFC will give him one last fight to end his MMA career.
This past Saturday, Maia fought and lost to Belal Muhammad at UFC 263 held at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona. Unfortunately, that would be the last fight remaining on her contract with the promoter.
Demian Maia wants last fight of his career to be with Nate Diaz
For the company president, that was probably Demian Maia’s last presentation. In his appearance before the media, Dana spoke about the Brazilian’s future.
“I think that was his last fight. It was the last one left on his contract. He’s 44 years old. He’s been very good at getting up there, securing a takedown, getting on top of his opponents and choking them out; or grabbing some limb and twisting it until they quit. But today he couldn’t pull it off. He’s 44 years old, he’s a great guy. He’s had a great career and yeah I think that’s probably it.”
But the storied representative of the gentle art, better known as jiu jitsu, wants one ‘last dance’. In an Instagram post, the Brazilian asks for one more fight. One last showdown, specifically against Nate Diaz, to then put an end to his career.
“Last night I tried but unfortunately I couldn’t have my best performance. Despite my frustration, I try to keep going until the end and that’s in the past. I’m already looking forward because I know time goes by fast, and I won’t be doing this for long anymore.”
Maia learned of Nate Diaz’s comments during his post-UFC 263 conference call, and through his social media, Demian is trying to seize the moment to get one last fight in.
“Nate Diaz I heard what you said at the press conference, and I also think you’re great. You’re a great fighter who also represents jiu jitsu and you’re real, I respect that. Despite what happened last night, I know I still have one fight left. It’s no secret that I feel like UFC is my home, where I want to finish my career. Now, I have no idea if they will give me another fight, but if they do, it would be an honor to have my last MMA fight be with you, someone who is always willing to fight, who represents BJJ and who I respect.
At the post-fight press conference, Diaz was asked if he would be interested in facing someone like Demian Maia. Nate initially seemed to dismiss the idea, but eventually seemed to change his mind.
“I have a lot of respect for fighters like Demian Maia, Jacare Souza, Kron Gracie and everyone who comes from jiu jitsu. I’m not looking for those kind of fights, I feel like we’re on the same side, representing jiu jitsu. But I would say yes I would like to face Demian Maia, I think he’s great.”
Maia competed for nearly fourteen years for the company, fought 33 times and was a two-time belt challenger. His last octagon appearances were two consecutive losses, to Muhammad and Burns.
But before this decline, he had three wins in a row, the last of which was a submission win over Ben Askren. Eleven of his wins within the company were by submission. He has notable victories over opponents such as Jorge Masvidal, Carlos Condit, Chael Sonnen, Neil Magny, among others.
“I’ve had a long career, I’ve faced almost everyone, and I proudly represented jiu jitsu the best I could. If I have one more, I don’t want to waste it on someone I don’t respect. So if you want to, and UFC wants to, it will happen and it will be my last dance. Much respect.”
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