Demian Maia says move to Welterweight could be next
Posted on March 5, 2012, 02:57 PM by Joey Santosus
"It has not been decided yet. I’ve always said (competing at Welterweight) was a possibility. I’m getting healed from my hand (surgery), which is almost good. ... Now that I’m not training and eating what I want I weight 194lbs, more or less. I usually have to make much effort to keep 198lbs and I gotta eat a lot not to lose weight because it’s easy for me. When it’s close to the fight I cut weight and leave the last 11, 13lbs to lose at the very end." - For complete interview with Demian Maia, visit Tatame.com
It appears Demian Maia could be headed south for lighter pastures.
Since having his 6-1 stint in the UFC culminate in a failed attempt at dethroning Middleweight kingpin Anderson Silva, Maia has experienced mixed results at 185, posting a 3-2 mark in his last five outings. After his most recent defeat at the hands of Chris Weidman, Maia has revealed a move to Welterweight could be in his not-so-distant future.
Currently sidelined with a hand-injury, the Brazilian's return date is unclear. But, should he elect to join the pack at 170-pounds, Maia says that, for him, losing weight is "easy." So, what's the word LowKick'ers? Can Maia make a successful run in the ever-competitive Welterweight division, or should the perennial contender remain focused on the Middleweight strap?
Further Reading: UFC on Fox 2: Chris Weidman outpoints Demian Maia in lackluster decision win
Photo: CombatLifestyle.com
Comments
If that's what he weighs eating however he wants he defs could make it down to 170. There's guys at my gym with only a couple pro fights who are already cutting that much/maybe more to get down to 170.
I'd actually like to see him in either LHW or WW because there arn't any hard core BJJ guys in those divisions (With the exception of striking artist jake shields) and he could pose a good threat to the wrestlers of those divisions.
i think a move to WW could be best, it would be intresting to see the outcome
ohh yeah but before he moves down i would love to see maia/phalhares
i completely agree, Fight with phalhares would be wow
but i really do think phalhares is better on the ground in mma
what do u guys think?
If Paul Harris won, it would be due to the strength he uses to achieve position ect.. I think all in all Maia is probably as technical.
I think you would see "paul harris" throw wild power shots and try to avoid the ground with maia. Although of late Maia has been trying to become a striker and he has improved a lot and worked on his wrestling as well obviously his BJJ is not just outstanding but probably the best not just in MAA but arguable the world (in his weight), particularly when it comes to MAA. Jacare is a similar athletic and aggressive bjj fighter with heavy punches and athleticism to "paul harris"; watch Maia control him in this bjj match.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKEMwmexT2Y..
I dont think moving to 170 is going to solve all of Maias problems. He has to adjust his style to ever become a real contender again. His striking has improved greatly, but it isn't at the level that he can stand and trade punches. He has to use striking to set up take downs. His goal needs to always be getting the submission.
I think its a logical choice on Damies part, and I think he would do extremely well