Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Demian Maia turned back the clock earlier this morning (Sat., Oct. 26, 2019) at UFC Fight Night 162 live on ESPN+ from inside Singapore Indoor Stadium in Kallang, Singapore, when he outlasted main event counterpart Ben Askren to claim a third-round submission finish (HIGHLIGHTS HERE).
Despite the level of grappling shared between both fighters, Maia and Askren did most of their work on the feet. Askren would mix in some brief takedowns, but Maia’s submission game threatened “Funky” at every turn and forced the action to be contested with short punches and dirty boxing.
In the third round, after Askren secured another takedown, Maia was able to reverse positioning and gain control of the back. From there, the Brazilian legend worked his way for a rear-naked choke submission attempt and eventually forced “Funky” to tap for the first time in his career.
At 41 years of age, Maia continues to defy MMA logic, finishing one of the toughest grapplers in the sport today. It was a tremendous performance to say the least and garnered much attention from the combat masses. Find out what the MMA community had to say about Maia’s triumphant submission win at UFC Singapore below:
Incredible fight fellas! Maia is filthy with it! https://t.co/bvG5LrihJr
— Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) October 26, 2019
Damn. Styles make freaking fights! #UFCSingapore
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) October 26, 2019
That was exciting!!! Good stuff #UFCSingapore
— Niko Price (@Nikohybridprice) October 26, 2019
Legend!!! #Respect
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) October 26, 2019
Ben skill set is top 25 at best #UFCSingapore
— Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards (@Leon_edwardsmma) October 26, 2019
— Anthony Rocco Martin (@TonyRoccoMartin) October 26, 2019
& Maia just Maia’d him
— Gerald Harris (@GHurricane) October 26, 2019
Damnnn!! Maia with the 1 handed RNC
Surprised Askren wanted to go for the takedown when he was actually winning the striking exchanges and considering how dangerous Maia is.
This fight was definitely more intriguing than I thought. #UFCSingapore
— Megan Anderson (@MeganA_mma) October 26, 2019
I never say stuff like this but @Benaskren needs to retire.
— Sean McCorkle (@BigSexyMcCorkle) October 26, 2019
For complete UFC Singapore results and coverage click here.