“MMA's not like a game like basketball, for example, that if you're winning by 30, 40 points and there's just five minutes left, you can do whatever you want because the guy isn't going to beat you. In MMA, you can get beaten in the last minute of the fight, or the last second of the fight, so sometimes you've got to be safe.”

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.