Jon Fitch vs. Demian Maia added to UFC 156
Posted on November 17, 2012, 01:03 AM by Andreas Hale
It will be a grappler's dream match at UFC 156 when Demian Maia takes on Jon Fitch.
Yes, if you prefer the ground game over punches and kicks, Fitch vs. Maia will likely excite you. The match up between the two grapplers was announced on Friday and will take place on February 2 in Las Vegas.
The two black belts will go at it in Las Vegas as part of a card that already features Jose Aldo vs. Frankie Edgar, Rashad Evans vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Alistair Overeem vs. Antonio Silva. Maia will look to continue his impressive run in the 170 lbs division after defeating Dong Hyun Kim and Rick Story. Fitch is coming off of a big win over previously unbeaten Erick Silva after suffering a devastating knockout loss to Johny Hendricks and a draw to BJ Penn.
For both fighters, this is a major fight as Fitch looks to inch his way back into title contention while Maia looks to become a contender at welterweight after tasting a title shot in the 185 lbs division.
Comments
Great match up, big Maia fan, belive he will sub Fitch. Besides that, the card is sick, stacked to the roof!!
I believe Fitch will use his wrestling to keep the fight standing, where he has an advantage, go for late round takedowns to seal rounds, and win a decision.
Fitch has no advantage standing. He will get out struck if he stands. That said, Sonnen couldn't keep it standing so I don't think Fitch will either. Maia wins in the first or second round via sub. Damian Maia will be the WW champion by the end of 2013.
I'm a pretty big fan of both these guys, but I think I have to root for Maia on this one. It's always fun to see someone go on a nice tear -- besides, we need more viable title contenders who haven't fought GSP yet.
I've always wanted to see Fitch get another crack at GSP. Doubt it will ever happen. Maia would be similar to Shields with GSP controlling the fight standing. GSP's wrestling would nullify any of Maia's work and GSP would keep the distance and outpoint Maia comfortably.
Maybe but I think Maia can get GSP to the ground (if he is still champ).
This is going to a great fight and a great test for both fighters. Can Maia shut-down John Fitch as easily as he CRUSHED Rick Story? Wow, if he can. This is a great division for DM. Lots of great fights. If his stand-up gets better, he'll be a problem for anyone.
Champion 2013.
I like both of these fighters.
Maia has really improved his striking--and he has an excellent ground game. He is a master of submissions.
As for Fitch--I believe he just got caught by Hendricks--and the fight was stopped fast--maybe too fast--but other than that fight, Fitch has a pretty good record, only losing to GSP in a long string of wins. BJ Penn would never have lasted 5 rounds with Fitch.
At UFC 100, Fitch fought Paulo Thiago who has very good jits--and had has back, flattened out with an RNC--Thiago was saved by the bell. BJ Penn had Fitch's back, as have a number of fighters--yet Fitch has avoided being submitted except once, in his first pro fight.
If Maia can submit Fitch--mad props to Demian if can pull one off on Jon Fitch..
Paulo has great jits but Maia is on another planet.
One of the fights i am looking forward the most EVER, two graplers with magical powers imo......hope it hits the ground and stays there because if it does we will be in for a circular reference that will stop the earth.
I literally cheered in real life when I saw this headine. I've wanted to see this fight forever. I think they're a perfect matchup in terms of skill and ability, and assuming one doesn't suprise and quickly finish the other, this will be an epic grappling war. I hope it's as memorable a display as the short but sweet matchup between Mir and Nogueira.
As much as I like Fitch, there's no way he's getting in Maia's guard without losing either his consciousness or one of his limbs.