in Report MMA
The fans saw a different Demian Maia in action at UFC 109. Replacing standing against Miller and Dan working on the ground and pound the ground, the black belt he won his first points for the UFC. In an exclusive interview with TATAME, Demian spoke of his sixth victory in the Octagon, who should be his next opponent and Chael Sonnen victory over Nate Marquardt, can register a dispute over belt.
His strategy was to just stay in striking?
My strategy was to put down only the good and rest assured the striking, drop me a little more, see how I felt. Wanted to play with enough patience, not to risk a lot to me that the same test, but the idea was to play in Jiu-Jitsu.
Do you think he avoided the floor with you?
He avoided a lot, wanted to stand with me, but it is normal. Most opponents I fight will want to stand against me. When I got to go to the ground was near the grid, then worked the ground and pound. I did not play much to pass, waited for him to give me the opening, but he did not, so I was hitting my spots and assuring. In the second round, especially, I found a good distance and decided to test me, see how I felt. I felt good, played with confidence.
What did you think of that first win on points in the UFC?
He did not open lot of space, but I did not sought much space. This was a key fight in my career because I could see that I am prepared. I never tried standing in a fight and I did.
You know who will be your next opponent?
I do not know, but I want to get in line dispute belt again. Now only depends on them (UFC).
You came off a loss to Nate Marquardt and had already finalized the Chael Sonnen. Were you surprised by the victory of Sonnen about Nate?
I was not surprised one bit, talked to everyone who Chael had great chances to win. To win it has to have a very good guard, an excellent and striking a reasonable ground for it will put you down. He bears ass and not easy to be finalized, it is one of the hardest games to be beaten in the UFC.
If I could choose, what would you prefer: a rematch with the Marquardt or a fight against Sonnen to define who dispute the belt?
UFC always boot winner against winner, then, if it were to dispute the belt, I would be more fair against Chael, but we’ll see. I’m not worried about it. I just want to be a better athlete and get there on time.
Do you consider just the Sonnen fight for the belt?
In a way it is, because he won three quarries (Dan Miller, Yushin Okami and Nate Marquardt), only had uphill struggle, and he lost me. I think just the way I thought (I dispute the belt) when I won it, but I think they’ll give it to himself. I do not know what criteria, but I just, yes.
You think it no chance to beat Anderson Silva or Vitor Belfort?
I prefer the Brazilian, I will cheer for them, but it can. I greatly admire Anderson and Victor, but he’s game to win any of the weight.
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