Demian Maia hopes he can make the walk to the Octagon for one final time.
At UFC 263, Maia suffered a decision loss to Belal Muhammad. Entering the fight, the speculation was this could very well be his last fight and after the event, White hinted this was it for the Brazilian MMA legend.
“I think that was his last fight (with the UFC),” White said at the UFC 263 post-fight press conference. “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. He couldn’t get it done tonight. He’s 44 years old. He’s a great guy. He’s had a great career. Yes, I would say that’s probably it.”
Maia, meanwhile, took to social media to release a statement on the loss and called out Diaz.
“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,” Maia wrote on Instagram. “I’m already looking forward as I know time goes by fast, and I won’t be doing this much longer.
@NateDiaz209 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,” Maia added. “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,” Maia concluded.
Whether or not the UFC will bring back Maia for one final fight against Diaz is uncertain at this point.
