Champion Woodley praised Demian (Photo: Getty Images)
UFC welterweight champion, Tyron woodley, defends his title at UFC 209, this Saturday (4) against Stephen Thompson, after the two drew their first duel, which took place in November. If either of the two had won, however, the next challenger for the belt would probably be Demian Maia, who has been undefeated in the category for six fights. Woodley admitted he felt bad about not giving the Brazilian a chance, and accused MMA fans of not respecting the achievements and art of Maia, one of the greatest exponents of jiu-jitsu within the UFC.
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“Part of me wants to feel compassion for Demian Maia. The other part understands…I was in four fights that were worthy of being a challenger (…) I was in that position long enough to understand that he needs to do something different. Unfortunately, the sport has transformed in such a way that fans only want bloody fights, with violent knockouts. They don't respect the art of Demian Maia. He's one of the best grapplers in the UFC and they don't respect the art he brings. But it's also not my job to promote it. I already have enough problems promoting myself,” said Woodley in an interview before UFC 209.
While the champion defends his belt, Demian decided that he will not wait for the winner of Woodley and Thompson and already has an appointment scheduled. Face Jorge masvidal at UFC 211, on May 13th. As the former owner of the welterweight belt Georges St Pierre will fight for the title of the top category, it is expected that the winner of the clash between the Brazilian and the Cuban-American will be the next challenger to the winner of this Saturday's main fight.
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