The expectations for Vancouver set UFC Fight Night were very high. Some even speculated it would last perhaps even 5 rounds but the duel was over before it started.
In case you missed it you can still watch here.
Maia sprang right into action in spite of being much older than Condit and having a smaller reach.
Condit didn’t panic but Maia was like a bulldozer, steadily gaining positions in the end transitioning to the back and securing the choke. He even discussed this along with distance management in the latest Gracie Breakdown.
While many speculate that Maia is the greatest jiu jiteiro on the planet, Condit is quite taken aback and openly discussing retirement. But Maia has his sight on the title and a crack at the new champion Tyron Woodley.
Maia commented on the rumors that Stephen Thompson is next in line for the title shot:
“I respect very much Thompson. He’s a great guy. I’m much older than him so he has time. If they give ‘Wonderboy’ the next title shot, I hope it’s fast so I can have the next shot right after that.”
However he is aware of his age:
“I will wait,” he stated. “I can’t stay active in training and do what I do every day. This sport is really tough. You can not only lose but you can get really hurt. I beat a guy that many people thought [was] supposed to be the champ so I think I am next [for the title].”
Maia became the third fighter with most wins in the UFC history with this victory tying with fresh new black belt Donald Cerrone and Matt Hughes with 18 wins overall. This is a feat he’s quite proud of:
“This was a performance that shows the discipline of Brazilian jiu-jitsu,” he said. “It’s not just about control, but also defense. It helps me avoid the big shots I know Carlos is capable of. I have a lot of respect for him and he very well could’ve been champion as his fight with [then-champ Robbie] Lawler was extremely close. I knew I had the choke in tight but with MMA gloves, you always have the opportunity to escape. I didn’t think it was over until I felt him tap.”
Nowadays the titles in the UFC aren’t the most coveted as evidenced by the biggest purses belonging to Brock Lesnar for his jubilatory UFC come back and to McGregor and Nate Diaz who respectively fight in entirely different weight classes for the titles.
Would you prefer to see Maia get his title or do you see him in some big money fight, if so, with whom?
