Demian Maia - Best Pure Grappler in the UFC?
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Demian Maia is a World Jiu Jitsu champion, Pan American Champ and also holds the title in ADCC. His submission grappling record holds notable victories over Yushin Okami, Rafael Lovato, Tarsis Humphreys and Flavio Almeida. Some jiu jitsu stars have trouble adapting their submission game to the world of MMA, but Maia seems to not have a problem.
At UFC 91, Demian Maia comes in the fight undefeated (9-0, now 10-0) to face Nate Quarry (10-2, now 10-3), a respected fighter that has good hands and also good submission defense. There are many doubters that Maia will be able to survive standing or get the takedown that he needs to apply his phenomenal jiu jitsu. Let’s not forget that his 3 most recent fights all won submission of the night honors. He shoots in on Quarry who shows his ability to stuff the takedown, so Maia pulls guard. Maia sweeps and passes to side control, then mounted Quarry before he even know what was happening to him. Maia lands a few shots, Quarry rolls to his stomach and tries to turtle, Maia spins and takes his back while locking up the body triangle. After squeezing the air out of Quarry with his legs and softening him up with some punches, Maia sinks in the RNC for the win.
In the post fight interview with Joe Rogan he mentioned Michael Bisping as a possible opponent in the future, but it seems like it will be a long way down the line as Bisping is set to be the next coach on the Ultimate Fighter.
What do you think about Maia’s grappling abilities?
November 17th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
[...] Demian Maia - $40,000 ($20,000 + $20,000 for the win) Nate Quarry - $25,000 Demian Maia def Nate Quarry via Sub (RNC) [...]
November 30th, 2008 at 1:32 am
Maia is the best jiu jitsu guy in MMA right now, but I want my rematch…
Ryan Stout
December 14th, 2008 at 2:49 am
[...] MacDonald takes the fight on short notice. Has lost to Demian Maia in the past while being dominated by his jiu jitsu, I see this fight leaning toward [...]
December 30th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
[...] so much trouble with guys who specialize in jiu jitsu, this will be a very tough match up for him. Demian Maia has submitted all four opponents in the UFC, only one of them not earning “Submission of the [...]