Dana White praises Demian Maia, but ends the Brazilian's UFC stint: 'It's time'

D. Maia after UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Although he expressed his desire to have another fight with Ultimate gloves, the defeat to Belal Muhammad | may have sealed the trajectory of Demian Maia in the organization. According to the company's president, Dana White, the São Paulo native ended his participation as part of the group of UFC athletes. In an interview with ‘UFC Saudi’, the ‘boss’ spoke about the subject.

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“I love Demian. He ended his UFC career. How old is he now, 42, 43? At some point in his last fights, he was in the top 5 (in the 77kg division). Now he is close to 11th. It’s time to move on,” White said.

If Dana supports his opinion, Maia will end his time in Ultimate with more than 30 fights fought. For the organization, the Brazilian competed for the middleweight (up to 83,9kg) and welterweight (up to 77kg) belts.

A veteran in the sport, the São Paulo native ended up defeated in two of his last five appearances with the company. The athlete's last victory for the company came in October 2019, when he beat Ben Askren.

After his last engagement in June, Demian admitted he would like a farewell confrontation. The athlete even mentioned Donald Cerrone ou Nate diaz as possible opponents.

At 43 years old, Maia has 39 fights as a professional in MMA. The athlete has 28 triumphs and 11 setbacks. In the sport since 2001, the São Paulo native has beaten names like Chael Sonnen, Neil Magny, Carlos Condit e Jorge masvidal.