UFC 153: What We Learned from Demian Maia vs. Rick Story

Demian Maia kicked the UFC 153 main card off in style by scoring a first-ound rear-naked choke submission win over Rick Story.

The first-round stoppage was Maia's second in two matches at 170 pounds. The rest of the welterweight division has officially been put on notice.

What We'll Remember About This Fight

Maia's jiu-jitsu is beautiful to watch. If you're a fan of grappling, the way Maia advanced to the rear-naked choke is something you won't forget anytime soon.

Alternatively, if you're a fan of gore, you'll probably remember the blood spraying out of Story's nose as Maia squeezed and twisted his neck as if he were trying to pop his opponent's head off.

What We Learned About Maia

We learned two things about Maia tonight.

One, his career has been rejuvenated at the 170 pounds divsion. Rick Story is a terrific wrestler and all-around tough fighter, and Maia was able to put him on his back and finish him almost immediately.

Maia is back to being the terror he was when he first entered the UFC.

Second, Maia seems to have learned that his developing boxing skills should be used as a secondary tool in deference to his jiu-jitsu.

Better late than never.

What We Learned About Story

He's not the guy we once believed he was. 

Formerly on the brink of title contention, Story has struggled mightily of late. Since he was unable to stop the bleeding against Maia; it now seems more probable he'll permanently be relegated to mid-tier gate-keeper status than regain contender accreditation.

What's Next for Maia

It's got to be either Jake Ellenberger, the loser of Georges St-Pierre vs. Carlos Condit or the loser of Martin Kampmann vs. Johny Hendricks.

What's Next for Story

A rebound right with John Maguire would be interesting.