Demian Maia -- A New Dawn

Demian Maia is one of the most understated fighters in any division of the UFC.  Currently he is ranked by Sherdog as the #6 middleweight in the world.  One might contend that he deserves a spot as high as #4 when considering Nate Marquardt's ouster from the UFC due to elevated testosterone and Yushin Okami's recent bludgeoning at the hands of Anderson Silva.  Either way, Maia has racked up a 16-3 professional record, and torn his way through the ranks with almost unparalleled Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  And, until recently, his striking has been almost non-existent.  Not anymore.

Maia went to decision with Mark Munoz, the #4 middleweight in the world, in June of 2011.  Although the decision was unanimous in Munoz's favor, Maia clearly won the first round, wobbling Munoz with a left hook, and arguably out-boxed The Filipino Wrecking Machine during the entirety of the match.  This, of course, was wildly unexpected.  Munoz was a feared and brutal striker.  Maia, just the opposite.

Even more impressive was Maia's submission of Chael Sonnen at UFC 95 in 2009.  Midway through the 1st round, Maia tossed Sonnen with a picture-perfect lateral drop, locked-in a mounted triangle and forced the tap.  Considering Sonnen's wrestling pedigree, an NCAA All-American and Olympic alternate, Maia's dominant technique was exceptionally impressive.  No one else in the UFC has ever rag-dolled Sonnen like that.

But, perhaps, what is most appealing about Maia is his demeanor.  Surrounded by talkers (Sonnen, Bisping) and juicers (Sonnen, Marquardt), Maia keeps quiet, works hard, and succeeds.  He lets pure technique and work ethic speak on his behalf.  Maia is the epitome of what is right with MMA.

Demian Maia is going to make quick work of Chris Weidman tonight in the UFC on Fox 2.  And when he does, it will be Yushin Okami in his crosshairs.