Demian Maia has long been the biggest BJJ advocate in the UFC. Maia had been with the UFC as far back as 2007 until 2021 and was never able to get the fanbase to support him.
Late in his career, Maia had come close to getting the welterweight title. After securing victories over Masvidal, Condit, Brown, Nelson and Magny he was thwarted by Tyron Woodley.
Maia then served out the rest of his career as a sort of a gate keeper in the welterweight division, having defeated Ben Askren and Anthony Rocco Martin and lost to Gilbert Burns and Belal Muhammad.
Now it looks like former ADCC champion is getting ready to compete in bjj once again. Burgeoning Brazilian superfight promotion BJJ Stars just announced Maia had agreed to be a part of their 8th card.
BJJ Stars 8 will feature a main event between UFC veterans Demian Maia and Alex ‘Cowboy’ Pereira.
Gilbert Burns previously appeared on an edition of BJJ Stars and lost to Lucas Hulk Barbosa back in 2021.
Demian Maia is 44 years old. His MMA record consists of 28 wins and 11 losses. During his pro grappling career Maia won the most prestigious champion there is – ADCC back in 2007. He was also Brazilian team national champion in 2003 and had been a IBJJF World Champion at a lower belt. Maia was last active on the grappling scene in 2007.