Demien Maia has long been the biggest representative of bjj in the octagon. And one that carries the load with such elegance and dedication without indulging in latest era UFC promotion strategies.
Following all the tumbles in the league Maia has had to take the Masvidal fight in order to vie for the Welterweight belt. But Masvidal is no joke. He skillfully managed to handle another bjj black belt – Cowboy Cerrone.
“Just how people were surprised about my striking against Cowboy, they’re going to be even more surprised by my grappling in this fight,” said Masvidal during interview with BJ Penn Radio.
“You can’t beat a guy like Maia unless you can grapple at that level. And most of the dudes – especially the guys he’s fought – are not at that level of defensive wrestling or defensive jiu jitsu to beat him. I know that I am. I know that in every position we could come to in MMA, I’m going to out-position this guy. I’m going to out-will him, and then he’s going to give in to the fatal blow.”
Masvidal continued
“I’m going to kick his a*s, really bad,” said Masvidal. “It doesn’t make it through the third round. I don’t know if it’s the first, I don’t know if it’s the second, but it doesn’t make it through the third.”
Toby Imada sleeps Jorge Masvidal with an inverted Triangle Choke
Of course Masvidal had been spotted working on his grappling since
