Considered one of the greatest icons in the history of Brazilian MMA, Demian Maia needs no introduction as an athlete. With 38 appearances as a professional in mixed martial arts and two UFC belt fights on his resume, the São Paulo native chose the most emblematic fight of his career in the sport. The statement was made in an exclusive interview with the YouTube channel do SUPER FIGHTS.
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“I think it was Ben Askren, this penultimate fight, because of what it represented. For the duel between the representatives of grappling (grappling) in MMA. Whoever could do it best, adapt their sport to MMA. All the work we had to dissect. All the tension of it being a totally different fight than the ones I always do. I knew he could even tie him to the ground, but he wouldn't run away from the grappling fight”, explained Demian.
Maia then commented on the qualities of his opponent from the clash that took place in October last year and praised Askren's courage over other opponents that the São Paulo native faced in his career.
“Of all the people I've fought with to date, no one – even those who are into jiu-jitsu – wanted to fight with me on the ground. Even those who said they were going to come, it was always bravado (intimidation). They talked, but at the time, no one ever wanted to. And he (Ben) I knew that wasn't the case. I knew he was going to come and fight grappling. I knew it was going to be a very tough fight – he’s a guy who has Olympic experience, American champion”, he concluded.
On that occasion, Askren and Maia headlined the card held in Singapore. The North American was trying to erase the historic defeat suffered by Jorge masvidal, who had defeated his compatriot with a brutal knockout in just five seconds three months ago.
Demian ended up using his experience and won the match with a submission in the third round.
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