Demian Maia recognizes it would be a long road back to a title shot, so he is now refocusing his immediate goals.
At 41 years of age with 18 years of professional competition, Demian Maia is entering the twilight of his career. And after going through two unsuccessful title fights, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ace is shifting his immediate career goals, as he enters the final two fights of his contract.
During a post-fight scrum after his majority decision win over Rocco Martin, Maia laid out what his final goals would be.
“My goal is pretty much win the fights,” he said. “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.”
Maia is not closing his doors on a title fight offer, should it come his way. But at the same time, he recognizes it would be a long road to the destination.
“The title is something that first, you got to win many fights in a row,” Maia said. “And second, it doesn’t depend on you, it’s not in your control, it’s out of my control. So, let’s see. I’ll win a couple more fights, and they say ‘you want to fight (for the title)?’ Of course, sure, it will be great.
“But I can’t put all my chips on that. I need to be focused on training, learning, and be the best athlete I can be.”
After his win on Saturday, Maia improves to a record of 27-9 (with 16 wins by stoppage).