After defeat, Demian considers weight change and rules out retirement

Demian assured that he will continue fighting (Photo: Reproduction/Facebook UFC)

Demian Maia couldn't use his jiu-jitsu against the champion Tyron woodley at UFC 214, last Saturday (29), in Anaheim (USA), missing the opportunity to win the welterweight belt (under 77kg). However, anyone who thinks that the Brazilian was discouraged by the defeat is mistaken. Even close to turning 40, Demian ruled out the possibility of hanging up his gloves, in addition to considering a possible change of division in his next fights.

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“Unfortunately for the guys in my division, I’m going to continue. I have more energy to burn and I want to keep fighting a little longer. Let's see what happens. They are thinking about opening 165lb (74,8kg), 175lb (79,4kg) divisions… I never give up. I came to this fight with five weeks notice, and I leave this fight with my head held high”, declared Maia, during a press conference after the event.

Despite not being able to impose his game during the fight, there was no shortage of attempts on Demian's part. In total, there were 25 takedowns applied by the Brazilian, who was unsuccessful in any of them. Asked what was needed to win, Maia preferred to praise the strategy outlined by Woodley.

“He had the perfect strategy, I tried to pressure, I connected some punches, but it wasn't enough for him to feel it and for me to complete my takedowns. I was trying the entire fight, for all five rounds. I came here to win, I have no excuses. I tried to pressure, I tried to punch, I tried to take him down for all five rounds. (…) His center of gravity is very low, and he is very strong. This influences, of course, and makes him difficult to take down. You need to be very sharp to take him down. And he defended his takedowns very well, I couldn’t do the variation I normally do to take him down or take his back,” he concluded.