“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.”

Brazilian former mixed martial artist and submission grappler

Demian Maia is a Brazilian former professional mixed martial artist and submission grappler, and a 5th degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt. He built his reputation in combat sports through grappling and control, becoming a familiar name in mixed martial arts. His career is closely associated with Brazilian jiu-jitsu and submission grappling, where technical skill and positional dominance define the style. He is known for competing at a high level in mixed martial arts while carrying the credentials of a seasoned BJJ practitioner.