UFC: Demian Maia not retiring after UFC Chile loss, plans to finish contract

Demian Maia stepped in on three weeks notice to fight a tuff Kamaru Usman in the main event at UFC’s first visit to the South American nation of Chile. Even though Maia won respect for saving the day, he couldn’t get the job done and was given his third consecutive loss.

Maia has been in the UFC for more than a decade now. He has achieved all a fighter can. Even though he couldn’t win a UFC title, he stamped his authority across not only one but two divisions earning himself title shots at both middleweight and welterweight division respectively. He has victories over big names such as Chael Sonnen, Jon Fitch, Rick Story, Gunnar Nelson, Matt Brown, Carlos Condit and Jorge Masvidal.

Seeing Maia on a three-fight losing streak especially at the age of 40, people might feel that his back is against the wall but he seems to have no intentions of hanging his gloves. Just a year ago Maia looked unstoppable. Maia edged out Jorge Masvidal for a razor thin split decision and extended his win streak to seven. Maia being a former middleweight used his size advantage against Masvidal who was a former lightweight. Masvidal, who has a wrestling base, gave Maia some problems in attempting his chokes. This particular ‘hole’ paved the way for Maia’s future opponents in Tyron Woodley, Colby Covington and Kamaru Usman who also happen to be wrestlers to exploit this weakness of Maia by stuffing his takedowns.

“I still have three fights under my contract,” Maia said through an interpreter. “I want to do those three fights. It was short notice for this fight; I only prepared for three weeks. And actually my last three fights were against wrestlers. My game plan is to take the fighters down, so it was tough fights. But I still have the will to finish my contract.”

Maia’s 19 career wins has him in the second position for the most wins in the UFC history. Maia would like to complete those three fights on his contact and break this record.

“I’m focusing on finishing my contract,” Maia said. “Those last three fights and break those records for me.”