Demian Maia updates on retirement plans after Colby Covington loss
On Saturday night, in the co-main event of the UFC’s return to Sao Paulo, Brazil, long-time welterweight contender Demian Maia stepped into the cage for a fight with the rising Colby Covington. Though Maia showed off plenty of heart in this fight, he was soundly beaten, ultimately giving up a unanimous decision after three bloody rounds.
Having also lost his last fight, a unanimous decision defeat to UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley, Maia is now on a two-fight skid. Given that he’s also 39 years old, many fans seem to think it might be time for his retirement.
Speaking to the media at the UFC Sao Paulo post-fight press conference, Maia addressed this possibility. Apparently, he’s not interested in hanging up the gloves just yet.
“I intend on fighting for another year or two,” Maia said through his interpreter (via MMAFighting.com).
“My goal is to keep on fighting,” he added later. “It’s a very tough sport. MMA is a tough sport, I will think about that. I have been in the UFC for 10 years and every time it is an emotional roller-coaster. It’s something that if you’ve never been in it you’ll never understand.”
Maia then offered some insight into the cause of his two recent losses:
“I had problems taking Woodley down and we changed a lot of things, but we also have to remember that I fought against two great wrestlers in my last two fights,” Maia said. “Woodley and Colby, an All-American from Oregon University. For sure, I fought against three wrestlers from American Top Team in my last three fights, and people try to figure your game plan, they study, and it gets harder.”
How do you think Demian Maia will respond to his two recent losses? Join the conversation in the comments section.
This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 10/30/2017.
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
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Demian Maia
