Demian Maia planning retirement, eyes “veteran” fight first

We wont be seeing Demian Maia compete past 2020.

The two time title challenger and UFC veteran lined up his second straight win after decisioning Anthony Rocco Martin after three rounds. The Brazilian is now 41 years old and has been in the UFC for over a decade and is beginning to envision an end to his career.

Speaking with the press after his victory over Martin, Maia detailed his plans – and a potential match up with a fellow veteran.

“Maybe (my next fight) will be the last one – I hope to do that in Sao Paulo in November,” Maia told media att the event this weekend. “Diego Sanchez is asking to fight, so it would be a good fight, two veterans. After that, maybe I do a couple more. But for sure, this year or next year, I’ll stop and retire.”

Maia won seven straight fights between 2014-2017 and eventually challenged the former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley. Maia came up short, losing via decision in a lacklustre bout, and proceeded to lose his two following fights as well – though against top level competition such as Colby Covington and Kamaru Usman. The Brazilian bounced back from the tough skid to submit promising talent Lyman Good in Fortaleza.

As of how Sanchez hasn’t formally responded to the challenge, stay tuned to MMAnytt for updates on Maia-Sanchez.