Erick Silva challenges Demian Maia: 'What do you think about getting back to winning ways against a bad guy on the ground like me'

E. Silva (right) challenges D. Maia (left) to return to the octagon. Photo: Wander Roberto

Demian Maia e Erick silva were the Brazilians scheduled to star in UFC Fight Night 29, in Barueri, last month. But after Demian was overcome by Jake Shields and Erick ended up being knocked out by Dong Hyun Kim, both fell behind in the Ultimate welterweight division. Now, surprisingly, Erick used his Twitter account to challenge his compatriot in search of a new rise.

“I'm recovering and I'll be back soon. I would like to fight a Brazilian in my category”, wrote Erick on the microblog, which then revealed Maia's name. "And there, Demian Maia, what do you think about getting back to winning ways against a guy who is bad on the ground and horrible at defending takedowns like me”, he added.

Demian Maia, 35 years old, has a professional record of 18 wins and five losses. The jiu-jitsu black belt lost a three-fight winning streak to Shields since moving down from the middleweight division to the welterweight division. Erick, who has a professional record of 15 wins and four losses, is experiencing fluctuations within Ultimate. The Espírito Santo has three wins and three defeats inside the octagon.