Masvidal pokes at Demian Maia: 'He's the most one-dimensional fighter in the UFC'

Masvidal praised Demian, but not without 'poking' the Brazilian (Photo: Reproduction/Youtube)

Jorge masvidal He has already shown that he won't give up on provocation to his opponent, since even when it comes to compliments, the welterweight likes to give a 'nudge'. And it was no different when asked about Demian Maia, his opponent at UFC 211, this Saturday (13), in Dallas. When commenting on the Brazilian's skills, Masvidal praised his high-level jiu-jitsu, but assured that the São Paulo native is a more one-dimensional fighter in the UFC.

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“He’s number 1 now, and Demian Maia brings many special things. He's probably the most one-dimensional fighter on the roster, but his one dimension is so deep, he's so good at it, that he can beat guys just by being good at one thing. I think my defensive wrestling and grappling defense skills are better than his offense, so this will show the world, “This guy is not only a good striker, but he's a good grappler, this guy is a good fighter.” Every day, I go to the mat and do wrestling, I face world jiu-jitsu champions in Abu Dhabi, guys who are good wrestlers and have been doing this since they were seven years old. I train with them and beat them. When you talk to them about me, they tell you: “This guy is a grappler”, and when you ask strikers, they won't say I'm a grappler, they will say: “This guy is a striker”. Because that's all I do, I don't do anything other than train and get myself in the best shape. It's not just because I want money, but because it's something I like to do. There are people who like to play football or basketball, I like to fight and train. That's why I got to where I am, I didn't get better overnight”, said the American, in an interview with the website 'Combate.com'.

Number 5 in the ranking of the under-77kg category, “Gamebred”, as he is known, complained about the little prestige he receives from the organization. According to him, his place among the best in the weight class should have been achieved a long time ago.

“The media not supporting me doesn’t put money on my table. When I go to fight, people don't know me. "Who is this guy? He has 13 thousand followers, hahaha, he’s going to be knocked out by this other one who has a million.” It's the stupidest thing I've ever heard in my entire f***ing life. I'm a fighter, I don't give a shit about social media. I just want to fight. If that's what you want to see, a guy who's been fighting since he was a kid, then watch my fights. Forget my UFC career, look at what I did in Japan, look at what I did at Strikeforce. See what I did outside of this show. I've been facing the best in the world for years, then I get to the UFC and they push me to the back of the line. I have to face ex-The Ultimate Fighter, Zé Nobody, promises, another ex-TUF… What the fuck, I'm here to face the best, that's all. I finally arrived at that place. I faced (Jake) Ellenberger, who is ranked, I faced Donald, who is ranked, and now I'm going to face Maia, who is one of the best guys in the division. But I should have been here a long time ago, not just now”, he said.

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