Demian Maia after UFC Chile: ‘I still have the will to finish my contract’

The last ten months have been tough for former UFC title contender Demian Maia. After racking up a solid seven-fight win streak from 2014 to 2017, the 40-year-old Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist has suddenly found himself on a three-fight skid.

All of those losses were against formidable wrestlers: Tyron Woodley, Colby Covington, and most recently, Kamaru Usman. Maia, however, remains undeterred, as he plans to put retirement on hold and fight out the remaining fights in his contract.

“I still have three fights under my contract,” Maia said through an interpreter (via MMAjunkie). “I want to do those three fights. It was short notice for this fight; I only prepared for three weeks.”

“And actually my last three fights were against wrestlers. My game plan is to take the fighters down, so it was tough fights. But I still have the will to finish my contract.”

While he may not have been successful at bagging a world title, Maia currently holds the record of being the only Brazilian fighter in the UFC to rack up a total of 19 wins. With the all-time company record being at 20, Maia is planning to add this feather to his cap.

“I’m focusing on finishing my contract. Those last three fights and break those records for me,” Maia said.

After the loss to Usman, Maia drops to a win-loss slate of 25-9, with 15 wins by stoppage.