Demian Maia unsurprised by how tough Miranda was to finish, motivated by Anderson Silva’s presence
Former UFC middleweight title contender, Demian Maia has spoken further about his unanimous decision win over Mario Miranda at UFC 118 this past weekend in Boston, Massachusetts, as well as the presence of current champion and rival, Anderson Silva in the corner of his opponent.
Speaking via Tatame Magazine, Maia said:
“I was glad I came back with a win. Of course I’d like it to be due to a submission, but he’s a very slippery guy on the ground, defended himself well, kept himself calm during the whole fight, even when was on a bad position, he’s a good athlete. His professional record already shows he’d be a hard one for everyone on this division. He’s only got one loss in 12 fights, so, for sure, he’d be harsh on everyone.”
“I knew he was a Jiu-Jitsu black-belt and a very good Wrestling athlete, so I knew it wouldn’t be easy for me to submit him, but he really defended himself well and I also had some technical mistakes which I might correct. I think it was a good thing for me to have this chance to see what I must improve, but I won’t take his credits of being a high level athlete.”
When asked whether the presence of Anderson Silva in the corner of Miranda helped to motivate him during the fight, Maia said:
“Of course it did. I was glad when I knew he’d be on his corner because I knew it’d motivate me even more. With all due respect to Mário, but I was glad when I heard that Anderson would be on his corner because I knew I’d motivate me even more.”
Maia was originally set to take on fast rising star, Alan Belcher on the UFC Fight Night 22 card before a detached retina forced “The Talent” off the Texas card. Now the Brazilian will be hoping for a high profile opponent next time out to give his title hopes a boost down the road.
By Michael Pepper. (Follow me on Twitter)
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