Coming into his UFC on ESPN 3 showdown against Anthony Rocco Martin, former two-time title contender, Demian Maia, was already the winningest Brazilian fighter in UFC history, thanks to a long and fruitful career at both middleweight and welterweight. Now, the jiu-jitsu master can lay claim to having the second most wins of all time at 21, second only to Donald Cerrone (23), after dominating Martin last weekend in Minneapolis.
Our complete recap here.
“My goal is pretty much win the fights,” Maia told MMA Junkie. “And if I can catch up with Cerrone, because now I’m the second in most wins with 21 and Cerrone has 23. So if I can do three more fights and win, and he doesn’t keep wininng, and I can pass him, it would be great. It’s something that would be great to retire with.”
Here’s the Top 5 of UFC wins, all time.
Donald Cerrone: 23
Demian Maia: 21
Georges St. Pierre: 20 (T)
Michael Bisping: 20 (T)
Jim Miller: 19
Jon Jones and three others trail Miller with 18.
Maia (27-9) is likely to retire after completing his current UFC contract, so “Cowboy” would have to experience a career nosedive — coupled with an undefeated streak from the Brazilian — in order to see his retirement dream come true.
Anything is possible in this crazy sport.