Chris Weidman will look to submit Demian Maia, hopes to graduate to "contender status"
Posted on January 26, 2012, 11:36 AM by Joey SantosusUFC Middleweight Chris Weidman, who will look to graduate from prospect to contender with a victory over Demian Maia on Saturday, discusses his opponent, as well as the importance of the opportunity that lies ahead. Weidman acknowledges the fight is the biggest of his career, and says that, despite Maia's jiu-jitsu skills, he will look to submit the Brazilian if they go to the ground. Photo: MMAWeekly.com
Chris Weidman
"I already got so pumped on the idea of fightng Demian Maia that I was like, 'I don't care, let's go. I'm in.' So, there was no hesitation once I actually found out I was fighting in 11 days. This is a huge opportunity for me, this is going to bring me into contender status - it's exactly where I wanted to be. ... Really, I'm just going to go at him 100-percent. If it's on the feet, I will be looking for a knockout, and if it's on the ground, I will be looking for a submission."
Further Reading: Demian Maia talks Silva vs. Sonnen, says Chris Weidman is "the real deal"
Comments
Finally, a high level grappler that says he's not afraid to try to submit Maia. Some of Demian's last fights have been kinda dull, because he fights BJJ black belts that do nothing but defend. I hope that the fight goes to the ground, so that we'll get to see a great fast-paced ground battle.
this guy is a very high level grappler although im not 100% sure he is at maias level but im guessing we will find out although i think that maia may be the one trying to keep this on the feet ether way i think the winner only needs one more to fight for the title (again in maia's case) possibly vs munoz or palhares
If Maia can get the takedown, I think he'll go for it. Weidman is really good, has a lot of talent, but is he really up to Maia's level of grappling? Maia's repeatdly won world championships in pure grappling tournaments, and Weidman wrestled in college. It's not exactly the same level of experience. I hope it's a good fight, but I think Weidman is better served keeping it standing.
Good luck, Chris Weidman.
Maia via sub round 3
Agreed. Round 1 tho.
I would not go with the objective to submit Maia....I would rank this as next to impossible...best way to win is to use his wrestling to control the fight from top position and score or try to trade with him.
The day Chris Weidman submits Maia, is the day Chael Sonnen can beat Maia in an MMA fight also... Maia would beat Sonnen 99 times out of 100.. So it will be very hard to see a submission by Weidman. I see another victory for Maia....... Weidman, Sonnen < Demian Maia........
Oh I remember this game from when I was a kid. You know the one that we say everything opposite of reality, used to call it opposite day.
let me try
Bisping is going to wrestle bang Sonnen for three rounds to a decision
and Davis is going to ko Evans. I like this game.
Bro, if it goes to the ground, try to get the **** up quickstyles. Maia is not the guy u wana be on the mat with