Demian issues statement after defeat at UFC São Paulo

D. Maia spoke about Saturday's defeat (28) (Photo; Reproduction Facebook UFC)

After losing two fights in a row for the first time since 2014, Demian Maia refused to make excuses for his performance in the defeat to Colby covington in the co-main event of UFC Sao Paulo last Saturday (28). Through a statement, the Brazilian congratulated the North American for his performance in hostile territory and said that a strategy error could have cost him the victory.

See too

Demian rules out retirement, but says: 'I have new projects'

VIDEO: Best moments of Colby Covington x Demian Maia at UFC São Paulo

UFC studies punishing Covington for statements against Brazilians

Demian started well in his striking and stunned Covington in the first round. For the Brazilian, this may have caused him to get excited and spend more time than necessary exchanging blows while standing with his tormentor. He also thanked the São Paulo fans for their support.

“I want to thank everyone for their support and support, in another stage on my path. The great lesson of sport is knowing that competing always brings lessons, and we have to be grateful in victory and in defeat for the learning. I did my best, I made some mistakes and got a little emotional, which may have hindered the execution of my strategy, but that doesn't take away the merit of my opponent, who deserved the victory, and I leave with my head held high knowing that I fulfilled my task. paper as best I could, and I move on to the next step of the journey. Thank you everyone!”, declared Demian.

Shortly after the fight, the Brazilian ruled out retirement and said he intends to fight for another year or two, but admitted that he is already in a transition phase and paying attention to other projects outside of his professional career, but linked to MMA and the sport. jiu-jitsu, such as expanding his academy and holding seminars around the world.