Demian Maia Says Fighting Jorge Masvidal Was the Only Choice

Demian Maia Says Fighting Jorge Masvidal Was the Only Choice

UFC welterweight title contender Demian Maia isn't happy with how things worked out behind the scenes to make his next fight.

Mar 13, 2017 by Duane Finley
Demian Maia Says Fighting Jorge Masvidal Was the Only Choice
Demian Maia is currently enjoying his best form ever in the UFC. 

Coming off six straight victories, the welterweight from São Paulo was considered to be one of the most likely candidates for the next shot at Tyron Woodley's UFC welterweight title. However, the grappling expert had to settle for another tricky challenge, as he will face Jorge Masvidal at UFC 211 on May 13 in Dallas. And no, that's not how Maia thought his summer would play out.

Whenever that development is brought up, Maia tries to change the subject, but it seems clear the Brazilian is not comfortable with how things went with the UFC. As one of the athletes invited to UFC Fortaleza as a guest fighter, Maia spoke with FloCombat via AG. Fight and was asked about how his stance changed from affirming that he would wait for a title shot to accepting the fight against Masvidal, only days before Stephen Thompson and Tyron Woodley fought for the belt at UFC 209 earlier this month.

"I did not change anything in my head, it changed in the head of the UFC," Maia said. "(The UFC) said I would have to take this fight to be able to fight for the title. I had an option, which was to accept the fight if I wanted to fight for the belt (after that), and I accepted. Who decides who will fight for the title is the UFC, so from the moment the UFC says [so] you need to stay active to fight for the title."

The fighter admitted there were situations behind the scenes that have not yet been revealed. And as long as there is no need to make them public, Maia will simply keep doing what he has been told to continue getting opportunities with the industry leader.

"There are things that happen and we have to keep (quiet) and do what has to be done," Maia said. "I cannot talk about everything that happens because it involves other people and it involves everything that helps or hinders my career."

When he was in Fortaleza, not only his relationship with the UFC, but also his opinion on UFC President Dana White was questioned. Again, Maia chose not to give away too much regarding this subject to not endanger his future within the organization.

"I'd rather not comment on that," Maia said. "He's still my boss, and I'm involved in the events that are happening too much to comment on these things yet. I'm still an athlete. I'm going to show up and do my job."