UFC 131: 5 Reasons Maia vs. Munoz Could Steal The Show

With UFC 131 lingering just around the corner, virtually every MMA fan in North America is chattering about the major heavyweight tilt on display in the evening’s headliner that sees Junior dos Santos tangle with Shane Carwin for a shot at Cain Velasquez and his coveted belt.

It’s time the masses stopped and recognized the fact that we’ve got two top 10 middleweights (in Demian Maia versus Mark Munoz) vying for a major advance in the division and general rankings.

A win for Maia means three straight, and valid opposition toppled.

A win for Munoz also means three consecutive UFC wins, and one could argue he’s faced the stiffer competition of the two.

Regardless of the details, both of these gentlemen are only a win or two away from a crack at the middleweight title. How Munoz responds to the prospect of fighting a training partner is questionable, but Maia is likely chomping at the bit for the opportunity to redeem himself after being embarrassed by champion Anderson Silva at UFC 112.

The relevancy of this fight has seemingly gone unnoticed; overshadowed by the potential fireworks that Junior dos Santos and Shane Carwin will likely provide in the evenings main event.

While I’m by no means claiming that this fight is guaranteed to outshine the main event, I’m simply acknowledging its significance, and its promise.

Let’s take a moment to remember that Demian Maia and Mark Munoz are two event sleepers that could potentially steal the show.

5. Styles Make Fights

Stylistically, this one is intriguing in a major way.

Anytime you pair similar stylists against one another, you run the risk of forcing each out of their natural comfort zones. It’s a scenario that arises frequently, and given the danger each man possesses on the mat, it’s not unlikely that this fight turns into a stand-up affair.

But what’s even more fascinating is the fact that, should this fight indeed hit the canvas, both man possess serious finishing capabilities.

Demian Maia will rip a limb off with relative ease if you roll with him. Mark Munoz will put you to sleep if he snags top control. There’s imminent danger wherever these two decide to duke it out.

4. Redemption Is Close At Hand

I’m not convinced he needs it, but just the same, Demian Maia has a little extra motivation to win this bout.

If the Brazilian can get past Munoz, he’ll be aligning himself for a likely title eliminator. That means he’s one step away from a chance to erase a humiliating memory in his mind, and a significant career blemish.

Defeating Anderson will not be an easy feat for any man. However, it is possible, and given Maia’s continued improvement in the striking department, coupled with his abnormally refined submission offense, he’s got to feel a bit of confidence knowing he’s absorbed some huge shots from Anderson and managed to hang in there.

3. Pushing The Pace

There’s no doubt that UFC 131’s main event will offer a borderline frantic pace (especially for the heavyweight division).

Dos Santos and Carwin swing hard, and often. Their three-round meeting won’t likely see the final bell, and we’ll be treated to plenty of action while both men are conscious. Having said that, they may not offer the kind of output Maia and Munoz will bring to the cage.

Neither man is afraid to stand and bang. Both men have come to be offensively driven fighters. Aggression and fearlessness can make for mind-boggling fireworks.

2. What’s Past Has Not Necessarily Passed

Demian Maia has headlined events in the past.

To be relegated to a mid-main-card slot isn’t a horrible demotion, but it’s certainly a nagging notion knowing that you’ve once climbed to the top of the heap, only to find yourself stiffed of at least a co-headlining slot.

It’s not easy to argue the fact that Kenny Florian versus Diego Nunes is a deserving co-headliner, but that likely doesn’t ease the sting too much.

Demian Maia is certainly eager to return to the summit, and Mark Munoz likely salivates over the concept. That factor should make for enough extra drive to push this one into “barn burner” territory.

1. Bonuses Are For Winners

Let’s keep it real here; money is always a major motivator.

There will be a sizable chunk of change in the air for the “knock out of the night”, “submission of the night” and “fight of the night” winners. It just so happens these two have a great chance at getting their hands on at least one of those prizes.    

What’s at stake practically ensures a tremendous effort from both men, and that pushes right into the idea of “fight of the night”. There’s no quit in either man, and both men fight for finishes. Knowing that, I consider this one a premature contender for “FOTN”.

We all know Maia’s submission game is virtually unrivaled, especially in the middleweight division. Predicting a slick submission from Maia, who has forced eight of his 14 foes to tap, isn’t exactly a stretch.

Neither is “submission of the night”.