Woodley faces Demian this Saturday (29) (Photo Reproduction/Youtube UFC)
It's nothing new for anyone to go to the ground in a fight with Demian Maia It's a loss for any fighter. Even for Tyron woodley, current welterweight champion who faces the Brazilian at UFC 214, this Saturday, in Anaheim (USA). Although he is a decorated wrestler, having competed at a high level in the sport in the United States, Woodley himself admits that he will avoid going to the ground with the jiu-jitsu ace at all costs.
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“I would be an idiot if I jumped into his half guard and thought I was going to submit him and win this way, but of course if I get into this position, I am trained, well-versed and will be prepared to neutralize him. All I need to do is neutralize him on the ground, not allow him to advance, not allow him to get to my back or into a position where I can be submitted. Obviously, on the feet, I have a huge advantage, I'm stronger, faster, I'm a better striker, and I have the highest takedown defense percentage in UFC history – not just at welterweight, I'm like second overall , between all divisions. I'm going to be a difficult guy to take down, especially when we can throw punches”, declared Woodley, in an interview with the Combate channel website.
With three submissions in his last five fights, Demian impressed not only with his victories, but also with the ease with which he controlled his opponents on the ground. According to Tyron, the mistake made by the Brazilian's victims was to have underestimated the São Paulo native's grappling, which he guarantees will not happen again.
“I take him seriously. I think that's where the others failed, (they thought) “Ah, it's not so bad, look at the takedowns, I'll defend it”, but when they get in there with him, he never stops trying to take you down. I put myself in a position where I have like-minded training partners, who fight the same style, who have fought him before, and that helped me prepare for the mental pressure that he puts on, because he doesn't attack in an orthodox way. ”, concluded the champion.
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