Photo: Leon Sandoval www.heyleon.com, Instagram @heyleonmedia and Facebook.com/heyleonmedia

After defeating Carlos Condit, ADCC champion and BJJ black belt Demian Maia became the third fighter with most wins in the UFC history with this victory tying with Donald Cerrone and Matt Hughes with 18 wins overall. This is a feat he’s quite proud of.

Amazingly, Maia has received just 13 significant strikes in his last 4 UFC bouts! That extremely low number is unheard of in MMA.

Maia stated:

“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.”

 

Maia also doesn’t like to punch his opponent on the ground. He told Combate that his Jiu-Jitsu mentality is one of the main reason why he doesn’t ground and pound:

“Jiu-jitsu is my origin, so I will always look for the submission and to control the fight. In this martial art we love so much, we look to tap our opponent out, not hurt him with strikes. Of course I’m there to win, but this mentality is completely intertwined with me. I will hardly try to hurt my adversary rather than submit him. That’s a part of jiu-jitsu and that’s why it’s the best martial art in the world. As an athlete, I must improve that.”

Maia choked Carlos Condit

A few years ago after defeating Chael Sonnen,  Maia said to Joe Rogan as cornerman Wanderlei Silva implored the crowd to cheer:

“I want to show jiu-jitsu to the world, and show to the people that you can win the fight without hurting your opponent.”

 

Listen to Maia’s complete statement below.