UFC 131 Results: Mark Munoz vs. Demian Maia

In a highly anticipate battle of strength and wrestling vs. submissions, Mark Munoz took on Demian Maia in a very close battle all over the cage. Maia surprised Munoz in Round 1 showing some solid striking, a much improved rounded game, winning the stand up battle and rocking Munoz with a solid shot.

Munoz landed a big shot of his own at the end of the round, and then tried a takedown to score, but Maia won Round 1 on stand up.

"His stand up got a lot better and his punches were a lot straighter than I expected," he told UFC Press. "I was able to persevere and grind out a tough decision."

It was then Maia's fight to lose, and Round 2 had Maia switching up a bit and shooting for takedowns. Munoz's strength kept Maia at bay and he gained position on the ground, controlling any submissions Maia attempted—which were few and far between. Munoz smothered him on the fence and looked for openings to score throughout Round 2. 

It was pretty clear that Maia switched up the plan after feeling some of Munoz’s power shots, and both fighters looked to be tiring at the end of the round.

Round 3 started with a hug, and they began to throw shots at a distance. The crowd started to get restless as both fighters remained cautious. Then Maia tried a modified crucifix, and Munoz exploded out of it. Round 3 remained in close quarters on the cage.

Munoz continued to muscle his way through Maia, and fans grew frustrated with the smothering lack of action. Both fighters fatigued, and Maia could not get the shoot position he wanted.

Mark Munoz won via a unanimous decision: 29-28, 29-28 and 30-27.

It is a tough setback for Maia, who may find himself in a tough spot to get meaningful fights, while Munoz will continue on his roll up the ladder.