UFC on Fox 21's Demian Maia is turning 39 in just over two months. His first professional MMA fight was 15 years ago. He heads into his fight against former welterweight contender Carlos Condit, seeking his 18th UFC victory.
Maia is an anomaly in the welterweight division; his MMA career has lasted longer than the nine-year average, which isn't especially remarkable. What's remarkable is, Maia, pushing 40, is the No. 3 welterweight in the UFC, routinely beating top-ranked, younger fighters with undeniable dominance. Of the UFC's top 15 welterweights, Maia has fought and bested five.
The Brazilian came into MMA an especially proficient Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt with rough striking. With 23 of his 29 fights under the UFC banner, we've had the opportunity to watch Maia evolve over nine years.
Prior to squaring off with No. 4 welterweight Condit, we take a look at Maia's arduous journey and how he's managed to stay so adept after all this time. Maybe it's because his preferred M.O., as stated on his UFC profile, is this:
"My favorite technique is to submit my opponent without him hurting me or me hurting him."
With one title shot under his belt and an overall record of 23-6, Maia is once again nearing a pinnacle of his career. He just has to get through Condit first.
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