UFC Middleweight Fighter, Demian Maia, Announces Move to Welterweight Division

Demian Maia was last seen in action at UFC on Fox 2, where he dropped a unanimous decision to up-and-comer Chris Weidman.

In that fight, Maia looked lackluster, and didn't appear to have much to offer against Weidman. Soon after the fight, people began to speculate as to whether or not Maia should drop to the welterweight division.

Maia himself publicly contemplated it, and he has now made it official.

On Wednesday morning, Maia tweeted and told the world that he would be dropping 15 pounds to compete in the welterweight division.

With the announcement, Maia adds more fuel to the fire in a suddenly stacked welterweight division.

With Georges St-Pierre injured and out of action for an undetermined amount of time, it seems like new contenders are emerging with every card.

Maia's announcement immediately makes him a contender at welterweight, and arguably the best jiu jitsu specialist in the division.

There is no official opponent announced yet—only that it will be a welterweight.

Anybody up for a Maia vs. Jake Shields fight?

Tim McTiernan is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. For the latest news on everything MMA, follow him on twitter @TimMcTiernan.