A biography for Demian Maiahasn’t been written yet.
“To me, when you're not as hungry to train hard and learn new things and get better as you once were, I think it's time to stop.”
“It's obvious that I want to reach Cerrone's win record, I know that's important for my career. Those milestones last forever, even if someone passes you later, they are forever.”
“People learn. If you market somebody, let's say GSP, a lot of people were saying he was doing boring fights because he was taking the guys down and controlling them, but he was winning, and he was the guy who selling the most.”
“I think I adapted well for MMA.”
“I know my mission is not just to be a champion, I mean, being champion would be great and I want to be one, but it's not under my control, you know.”
“There are lots of jiu-jitsu fighters who finish fights and have good MMA jiu-jitsu, but I think I've applied techniques which I can teach other people.”
“I started training judo when I was 5 years old. I didn't know much. My mom just took me and my brother to do some judo because we were very energetic. We did that for a couple of years. I don't know why we stopped, but I came back to try other forms of martial arts like kung fu and karate when I was 12 and never stopped.”
“For the title, if they say, 'Ok, let's sit and wait,' I will sit and wait because I know it's a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
“Everybody has their own opinions and you cannot please everybody. I'm never going to try to do that - to please everybody - because there is always somebody who will say they don't like it.”
“I don't sell myself. I am what I am. I'm a role model for a lot of people, for my kids. I don't want to just change because I want to make more money.”
“I've been in this position before when you never lose, when your record is clear, people are avoiding you.”
“Everything I did in my life was about the title, but that's too much pressure over me. When I relaxed more, even my performance became better.”
“MMA is pretty tough on your mind because it's a sport that's not just about winning. You really want to win bad, but it's tough when you lose. You get beaten. And it really messes with your ego, because nobody wants to get beaten by other people physically. It's not just a game. You get beaten physically.”
“Fights are all about styles and matchups.”
“I will always go for the submission instead of hurting my opponent.”
“I know you can't lose concentration when you get in range, otherwise you'll get caught with something.”
“Playboy in Brazil is like a rich boy, but I've never been a rich boy. My family is not rich. Actually, I help all my family.”
“Submitting is always the most important thing to me. Victory first, but with a submission is what I always want.”
“I'm a very competitive type, so I want to win the fight first of everything.”
“That was my dream since I was a kid, since I first saw a vale tudo event in my hometown of Sao Paulo. I wanted to compete.”