Demian Maia hopes Jorge Masvidal wins welterweight title so they can ‘run it back’
Demian Maia is hoping Jorge Masvidal wins the welterweight title.
After Maia submitted Askren at UFC Singapore, Masvidal’s manager tweeted saying “Gamebred” wants to run it back with Maia before the Brazilian’s career is over. And, the jiu-jitsu ace is more than interested in that.
“That would be cool,” Maia said to MMA Fighting. “Now I’m rooting for him to win the belt so there’s a chance this happens [laughs].
“He’s a great athlete, we had a really tough fight. I think sometimes he crosses the line promoting a fight but I respect him. He’s an old school type of fighter, but he was always very respectful with me and treated me really well even after I defeated him. He was never a scumbag.
“He’s been evolving over the last few years, has gotten better in all aspects. He has good boxing and is very technical. Man, it would be great for me if he won and that happened. He has a fight with Nate now and I think he has an advantage. If he beats Nate, I think there’s a good possibility the UFC gives him a title shot.”
Yet, Demian Maia has only two fights left on his contract. But, there is a chance he sticks around for a bit longer. But, don’t be counting on it for fans or Masvidal for the rematch.
“Man, it’s f****** hard [laughs],” Maia told MMA Fighting. “You win a fight like that and gets excited again and you start thinking, ‘Well, maybe I win one more against a tough opponent and can have another chance for the title,’ and get that itch again. Thinking rationally, it’s only two more, but let’s say I get a fight with a big name again and win impressively and get closer to the title, then there’s no other way.”
