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One of the best jiu jitsu specialists in the UFC is on the move.
Demian Maia is moving down from the 185 lbs division to 170 lbs where he will battle smaller foes. Maia will shift from a small middleweight to a large welterweight. Benson Henderson’s recent defeat of Frankie Edgar showed the natural benefits that size affords fighters.
Maia announced the anticipated move via twitter.
“Guys, now I’ll be moving down to 170 pounds,” Maia stated. “Next fight, I’ll be a welterweight.”
It will help improve Maia’s striking and take down ability. Maia’s strikes will be more powerful and cause more damage. It will allow him to better set up take downs from the feet. His take downs should also become more fluent.
Maia should garner a strength advantage. That helps when attempting to throw on an arm bar or leg lock, which is his forte.
Maia’s decision comes on the heels of his loss to budding star, Chris Weidman.
Many would argue that the move was unnecessary because Maia has been at the top of the middleweight division since his entrance in the UFC. His first five fights all resulted in submission victories.
However Maia has cooled off since his loss to Anderson Silva for the middleweight crown, compiling a 4-4 record.
Maia has yet to schedule a match at 170.
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