UFC 102: Demian Maia Expects Next Shot at Anderson Silva (or Thales Leites)

Posted Mar 28, 2009 2:02PM By Michael David Smith (RSS feed)

Filed Under: UFC

UFC middleweight Demian Maia has a perfect MMA record of 10 wins in his 10 pro fights, but he's about to get a much stiffer challenge in his 11th. Cage Potato is reporting that Maia's camp expects to get the next shot at UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva, most likely at UFC 102 on August 29 in Portland.

Of course, that's assuming Silva beats Thales Leites at UFC 97 on April 18 in Montreal. But seeing as every single UFC fan I know is making that assumption, it seems fairly safe to pencil in Maia vs. Silva for the UFC 102 co-main event. No disrespect to Leites intended, of course.

The question, then, is whether Maia has any hope of beating Silva. Although he would obviously be a heavy underdog, I actually think Maia's world-class Brazilian jiu jitsu would at least make him a viable threat to Silva. (Leites has solid Brazilian jiu jitsu skills, too, but I have a hard time seeing a scenario in which he's able to get Silva into a position where he can use those skills.)

Although it's still more than five months off (and obviously plenty can change between now and then), UFC 102 is looking like it will be a solid card. The other headlining fight on the UFC 102 card is slated to feature a couple of heavyweight legends, with Randy Couture taking on Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

3-28-2009 @ 3:59PM

Paul Oak said...

I think Maia has the skills to pull off the win. But personally I would like to Silva vacate the title and move to 205

3-28-2009 @ 4:26PM

Frederick said...

I just want to hear Maia say again he wants to prove you can win without hurting your oponent.

I personally gained so much respect for him with those simple words as a human being.

3-28-2009 @ 4:46PM

Michael David Smith said...

I agree with Frederick that Maia is a very likable guy and would be a worthy UFC champion. I also agree with Paul that I'd prefer to see Silva move up to 205 permanently. I feel like (assuming he beats Leites), Silva has nothing left to prove at 185 pounds, whereas there are several great match-ups for him at 205.

3-29-2009 @ 9:56AM

easy7179 said...

maia may have to fight hendo/bisping first. i don't see him having any problems submitting either of them though.

3-29-2009 @ 7:57PM

Bissy Boy (PSN johnnynumber5) said...

Marquardt deserves another title shot. His loss afainst Leites was complete BS and if he didn't get that point deducted he would have won.

3-30-2009 @ 7:14AM

Eric said...

Marquardt probably does deserve another title shot, but wouldn't you rather see Silva move up to light heavyweight than fight Marquardt who he has already knocked out - in the 1st round.

3-30-2009 @ 12:37PM

o0soul said...

I'd rather see Silva vs GSP. Time for GSP to move up and take on the best the way BJ Penn did (and has always done). Silva looked good against Irving at 205. I say they set up Silva/GSP and then Silva can move up to 205 permanently after that.

3-31-2009 @ 7:30PM

richardbikle said...

I think if Maia can keep from taking too much damage on his feet he has an excellent chance of submitting Silva. I really like Anderson, but I see his ground game as the weakest link in him.
I think you have to remember the LHW are cutting weight to make 205. I'm sure Penn walks around at about 170 and look what happens to him when he doesnt cut weight. His record out of the LW division isnt so good. I doubt Anderson would be so great at 205. Real good, but doubtful a great.