Demian Maia: The Gentle Artist

A calm Demian Maia sits at a familiar UFC 95 press table, surrounded by journalists along with fellow fighters, having earlier defeated UFC journeyman Chael Sonnen and earning yet another $40,000 and Submission of the night for the fourth time.

It's not long before the question of future fights arises and a hopeful Maia humbly replies, “I want to fight for the title.” This is a remark that understandably divides opinion on whether the middleweight submission machine could possibly challenge the best pound for pound fighter in MMA and current UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva.

However, with a professional record of 11 wins with no losses and a plethora of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu titles including being crowned World Champion twice and winner of the prestigious ADCC tournament in 2007, have we any reason to believe otherwise?

Born November 6^th 1977 in the fighting city of Sao Paolo, Demian Maia studied judo as a child but truly found his passion as a young teen when he became involved in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

He devoted himself heavily to the art and through his years of training is now a second degree black belt. Maia has previously stated UFC Hall of Famer Royce Gracie as his inspiration for starting a career in mixed martial arts. Similar to Royce, Maia uses his advanced level of Jiu Jitsu to ensure that whenever the fight goes to the ground, whether on top or off his back, he is extremely dangerous.

Maia trains year round in his native Brazil but moves his training camp to Las Vegas as the fight draws near. While in Vegas, he trains with the Wand Camp with fellow Brazilian and vicious striker Wanderlai Silva.

Although, Maia undoubtedly relies heavily on his advanced level of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and consequently has won all his UFC bouts through submission, his stand up is certainly not to be overlooked. Training with the legendary Wanderlai Silva has certainly helped Maia to be more than capable of delivering violent strikes.

Without looking past the upcoming fight with Nate Marquardt which will definitely be a tough test for Maia, I believe a deserved title shot with Anderson Silva would make for a very interesting fight. After Silva’s recent destruction of former light heavyweight champion Forrest Griffin I would never be foolish enough to bet heavily against him. Although any fight involving the greatest striker and greatest Jiu Jitsu practitioner in mixed martial arts will always prove to be competitive.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is known as "The Gentle Art" which is fitting of Demian Maia’s gentle persona. Evidence of this being his thoughts on fighting which are very untypical for those involved in such a physical sport. Maia is quoted as saying that his aim is “to win without getting hurt and without hurting his opponent.” Perhaps Maia’s next opponent, Nate Marquardt, shares a different view.

Nate "The Great" Marquardt poses a huge threat due to his strong wrestling background and powerful punching, but his approach will come as no surprise to Maia. Though Marquardt will be the toughest test of Maia’s career to date, I envisage a submission victory for the Brazilian late in the second round.

Anderson Silva’s complete domination of the UFC middleweight division, including a first round stoppage against the aforementioned Nate Marquardt, has forced him to move up to light heavyweight in order to further challenge himself.

However, I strongly believe that there is one challenge left unconquered at the 185 pound division and that challenge comes in the form of the unbeaten Jiu Jitsu specialist, Demian Maia.