Demian Maia :: TATAME

For the fourth time fighting in UFC, Demian Maia showed why he’s considered one of the best BJJ fighters in the whole event, and remains undefeated after another submission victory, now against Nate Quarry at UFC 91. With ten victories and no losses, Demian spoke to TATAME about the great victory, challenging Michael Bisping, the possibility to be the The Ultimate Fighter 9 coach and analyzed the other bouts of the night.

How’s the celebration after another great victory at UFC?

It’s cool, but it’s already past now. I’m heading back to Brazil now. Everything is great, and now I’m just thinking about going back to Brazil. I’m here at United States for more than a month and I’m desperate to go back home.

What did you think about the fight against Quarry?

It’s one more on my way to my objective, be the best of this category. Thanks God the work is great, I’m teaching less Jiu-Jitsu classes and I’m each day more professional. I always trained a lot, but I’m teaching less now, with a athlete life. Since my last fight with Jason (MacDonald) I’ve developed a lot my striking and my weaknesses, do my Jiu-Jitsu and I think everything will go right.

For the first time you won at UFC and didn’t get the submission of the night bonus…

Yes, but Dana White also gave me an extra bonus for that (laughs)…

After the fight you said you wanted to face Michael Bisping. Do you think it’d be a good fight to grow at UFC?

I do. He’s with a great popularity, is a good guy to fight now and I think it’d be a great fight. It doesn’t mean I’d win, but he fought great guys and always made god fights, and I believe it’d be a good fight to my career. I need this, I need good fights and I believe the time has come.

How do you think would be a fight between you?

He’s a stand-up guy, doesn’t like to fight on the ground, but he’s not easy. I always think the same, he’ll try to stand, avoid the ground, and I’ll try to put him down and do my Jiu-Jitsu, trying to submit.

We heard some rumors about you being the next TUF coach. Did someone spoke with you about that?

Commented that, and I think it’d be great. It’s the best thing for the fighter in the US. I’d accepted it, besides being away from fighting for a long time. And I think Bisping will be one of the coaches…

What did you think about the other fights at UFC 91?

I think Rafael (dos Anjos) fought really well, but he was got on the third round and it was a pretty sad… “Napão” (Gonzaga) fought really well, and always when he’s well I like his fights. And Randy (Couture)…I like him, Robert Drysdale trains with him there and Comprido with Brock Lesnar, it’s pretty funny, both from my team, but I think Randy would take that. That guy (Lesnar) is really good, heavy, and he’s definitely a tough fight for everybody.