Demian Maia lost to Belal Muhammad at UFC 263. | Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
UFC veteran Demian Maia wants his last fight to be against Nate Diaz. Seasoned veteran Demian Maia did fight the last contest of his contract at UFC 263, but he still would like one last outing, if the promotion allows it. After dropping a unanimous decision to Belal Muhammad, the Brazilian already knows who he wants to share the Octagon with before he hangs up the gloves: none other than Nate Diaz.
On his official Instagram account, Maia published a lengthy post, explaining how he would like one more fight and why Nate would be the perfect pairing. In Demian’s opinion, it would be an honor to face a jiu-jitsu fighter of Nate’s caliber, who is someone’s the Brazilian claims to respect very much.
“Last night I tried hard and unfortunately wasn’t able to put my best performance,” Maia said. “As frustrated as I am, I kept trying until the end and that’s in the past now. I’m already looking forward as I know time goes by fast, and I won’t be doing this much longer.
“Nate Diaz, I saw your quote on the press conference, and think you’re great too. You’re a great fighter who also represents Jiu Jitsu and you’re real, I respect that. Regardless of last night, I know I still have one fight left in me, and it’s no secret that I feel like UFC is my home, where I want to finish my career.
“Now, I have no idea if they will give me another fight, but if they do, I would be honored to do my last MMA bout with you, someone who always come to fight, who represents BJJ and whom I respect.I have had a long career, fought pretty much everybody, and proudly represented Jiu Jitsu the best I could. If I have one more, I don’t want to waste it with someone who I don’t respect. So If you want it, and the UFC wants to do it, it will happen, and it will be my last dance. Much respect.”
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The loss to Muhammad put Maia (28-11) on a two-fight losing skid, with a TKO defeat to Gilbert Burns prior to that. Before this bad moment, the 43-year-old was on a three-fight winning streak, with victories over Lyman Good, Anthony Rocco Martin and Ben Askren, two of which came by way of submission.
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