Demian Maia

“When I watched the first fight between Woodley and Thompson, and I want to make clear that I really admire both guys, for me the fight was really boring at UFC 205 because nobody pulled the trigger for three rounds. The fourth round there was a scramble and that was really exciting, but then the fifth round was so-so again.”

“I will fight everywhere, but I trust a lot on my jiu-jitsu.”

“I think in the long term, you make money with focusing on the sport.”

“I'd like to be remembered for being the one responsible for adapting Brazilian jiu-jitsu for modern MMA. For what I've learned from fence work and some ground positions. Lots of details I developed after years and years studying them, testing what worked on the mat, against the fence, what kept opponents on the ground, control situations.”

“I'm really happy to be able to live my life doing what I love.”

“I didn't choose this career for money. When I started training, I did it because I liked it, and I never had money for anything in my life.”

“All of my fights, I try to end the fight. That's my style.”

“I know my jiu-jitsu is good enough to beat the best guys in the world.”

“In general, I think longer fights benefits jiu-jitsu fighters because the other guy can make mistakes.”

“My wife never comes to watch me fight, she gets too nervous, so do my family. They will only watch it on the television after they know the outcome.”

“I'm not going to sell myself just because I want to be a champion, just because I want to make more money, you know?”

“For the title, I would do anything.”

“The day I stop aiming for the title, I will stop fighting.”

“Striking isn't just about kicking and punching. It's far more complex than that. It's also about timing and range.”

“That's why I love jiu-jitsu, this is the best martial art in the world. It's an art that seeks the peace, to dominate your opponent.”

“I believe in my jiu-jitsu.”

“When you fight MMA, there are so many things involved, so many techniques, that you just can't do everything or you'll over-train.”

“I'm sure about my style. I always go to fight. I always go to be aggressive.”

“I come to grapple.”

“I need to improve my striking and my wrestling, but I always be best at jiu-jitsu.”