‘Will Be My Last Dance’- Demian Maia Hints at Retirement After a Potential Nate Diaz Fight

Published 06/14/2021, 8:17 AM EDT

UFC welterweight veteran Demian Maia may have fought his last competitive MMA match at UFC 263. The Brazilian legend, who went toe-to-toe against Belal Muhammad on the event’s main card, came up short in a unanimous decision loss. This was his second straight loss after he surrendered to Gilbert Burns last year at UFC Fight Night 170 via TKO.

After the loss against ‘Remember The Name’, the 43-year-old took to Instagram and reflected on the same. He also shared his insights on continuing further.

He wrote, “Last night I tried hard and unfortunately wasn’t able to put my best performance. As frustrated as I am, I kept trying until the end and that’s in the past now.”

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He added that he is looking forward and won’t be continuing for long. The Brazilian then had some words of praise for Nate Diaz and termed him a great fighter who represents jiu-jitsu.

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A post shared by Demian Maia (@demianmaia)

He further added, “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 (Diaz).”

Maia said if UFC offers him a fight; he wants to fight with the one he respects. “So if you want it, and UFC want to do it, it will happen, and it will be my last dance. Much respect,” he concluded.

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Some fighters like Gracie Neiman, Ricardo Liborio, and fellow UFC welterweight Mickey Gall showed their appreciation on the post.

Dana White on Demian Maia and his future

When Dana White appeared for the interview at UFC 263 post-fight conference, he spoke on various fighters’ performances and what lies ahead for them. He also talked about Maia’s future.

“I think that was his last fight (with the UFC),” White said. “It was the last fight on his deal. He’s 44 years old. He’s been so good at getting in there, securing the takedown, getting on top of people, and just strangling them or grabbing something or twisting it until you quit.”

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“He couldn’t get it done tonight… He’s had a great career. Yes, I would say that’s probably it.”

Well, the boss has made his opinions clear. As for Maia, he has been one of the longest-serving UFC fighters. He has competed in 33 matches for the promotion and has picked up some notable wins against Chael Sonnen, Jorge Masvidal, and Neil Magny to name a few.

The only disappointment he may carry with him would be not winning a title. Maia came close twice, once against Anderson Silva and then against Tyron Woodley.

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WATCH THIS STORY: 5 times legend Anderson Silva looked invincible in the cage

Will the UFC book Maia vs Nate Diaz? Or is the former done in the octagon?

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Written by:

Akshyay Mahapatra is a UFC author for EssentiallySports. He wished to combine his passion for the UFC (that he has been following since 2008) as well as his love for writing. This motivated him to enter the world of combat sports journalism.

‘Will Be My Last Dance’- Demian Maia Hints at Retirement After a Potential Nate Diaz Fight

Dana White on Demian Maia and his future

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