Seasoned veteran Demian Maia did fight the last contest of his contract at UFC 263, but he still would like one last outing, if the promotion allows it. After dropping a unanimous decision to Belal Muhammad, the Brazilian already knows who he wants to share the Octagon with before he hangs up the gloves: none other than Nate Diaz.
On his official Instagram account, Maia published a lengthy post, explaining how he would like one more fight and why Nate would be the perfect pairing. In Demian’s opinion, it would be an honor to face a jiu-jitsu fighter of Nate’s caliber, who is someone’s the Brazilian claims to respect very much.
“Last night I tried hard and unfortunately wasn’t able to put my best performance,” Maia said. “As frustrated as I am, I kept trying until the end and that’s in the past now. I’m already looking forward as I know time goes by fast, and I won’t be doing this much longer.
“Nate Diaz, I saw your quote on the press conference, and think you’re great too. You’re a great fighter who also represents Jiu Jitsu and you’re real, I respect that. Regardless of last night, I know I still have one fight left in me, and it’s no secret that I feel like UFC is my home, where I want to finish my career.
“Now, I have no idea if they will give me another fight, but if they do, I would be honored to do my last MMA bout with you, someone who always come to fight, who represents BJJ and whom I respect.I have had a long career, fought pretty much everybody, and proudly represented Jiu Jitsu the best I could. If I have one more, I don’t want to waste it with someone who I don’t respect. So If you want it, and the UFC wants to do it, it will happen, and it will be my last dance. Much respect.”
The loss to Muhammad put Maia (28-11) on a two-fight losing skid, with a TKO defeat to Gilbert Burns prior to that. Before this bad moment, the 43-year-old was on a three-fight winning streak, with victories over Lyman Good, Anthony Rocco Martin and Ben Askren, two of which came by way of submission.
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