UFC 131 Results: Mark Munoz Beats Demian Maia, Moves into Contention at 185 lbs

Following his victory over Demian Maia at UFC 131, Mark Munoz improved his UFC record to 6-2 and has likely entered himself into the conversation of middleweight title contention. 

In the first round, Maia pressed early as he caught Munoz behind the ear that wobbled the "Filipino Wrecking Machine." Maia continued to land clean and effective shots on his opponent, as they eventually clinched into the cage, only for a stalemate to be called and both men separated.

As the action continued, Maia landed more shots and began to become more aggressive in his attack, as he stalked Munoz and continued to outstrike him. Munoz attempted a spinning back kick but Maia countered with a strike, and cornered Munoz into the cage. Maia tried to feint and setup a combination but Munoz started to attack near the end of the round. 

As the second round opened, Maia looked for a take down but Munoz successfully defended and mounted some offense as he landed strikes to the thighs and midsection of his opponent. Maia attempted to pull guard but Munoz retreated back to his feet, Maia pressed forward once again and threw strikes at his opponent and attempted another takedown; however, Munoz stuffed it once more. 

While Munoz sprawled he attempted a darth choke but Maia slipped out, only to be denied another take down once again. Munoz controlled the Brazilian while in his opponent's guard but as Maia got up, Munoz took him down, and was in half-guard. Munoz landed strikes to the head of Maia but referee Jerin Valel forced the action on the feet as the round came to a close. 

In the third round, Maia was taken down again by Munoz, but Maia appeared to have control of his opponent's arm, which allowed him to take Munoz's back and apply a crucifix. Munoz broke free and both competitors returned to their feet and clinched. Maia reversed and clinched his opponent against the cage, but referee Jerin Valei broke up the action once again. 

Maia shot for another take down but Munoz denied him once more and controlled him. They clinched up against the cage, as both man looked to establish control. They separated as Munoz landed a body kick and Maia countered attempting another unsuccessful take down as Munoz sprawled and landed hard shots to the body and thighs of his opponent.

Both men got back to their feet and unloaded a flurry of strikes in the final seconds of the round. Munoz earned the win via unanimous decision. 

What's next for Mark Munoz?

After earning a valuable victory over Maia, Munoz has now climbed the rankings among the middleweight division. Competing against a credible opponent like Maia will likely give Munoz a top contender in his next bout, possibly leading to a title shot in the near future. Facing the winner of Vitor Belfort and Yoshihiro Akiyama is a possibility, while a bout against Brian Stann could also come to fruition. 

What's next for Demian Maia? 

While ending up on the wrong side of a unanimous decision, the loss to Munoz will not necessarily hurt Maia's stock too much; he is still a competitive fighter in the middleweight division. The Brazilian showed an improvement in his striking and could likely find himself in another competitive bout before the end of the year.

A bout between the winner of Wanderlei Silva and Chris Leben is likely, as well as competing against the winner of Nate Marquardt and Rick Story.