UFC 77: Marvin Eastman vs. Demian Maia (Exclusive)

by MMAmania.com on Aug 7, 2007 5:19 PM EDT

Mixed martial arts veteran Marvin Eastman (14-7-1) will take on a relative newcomer to the sport, Demian Maia (5-0), in a middleweight bout at UFC 77 on October 20 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

UFCmania.com received a message earlier today from the "Beastman" confirming the showdown at the U.S. Bank Arena.

Eastman was tentatively scheduled to face Drew McFedries on the same night in "The Buckeye State." He recently revealed, however, that he was moved to the UFC 76 show in September. Now, he's back on the Ohio card against a different opponent.

Strange but true.

Maia -- the current Abu Dahbi Combat Club (ADCC) U87Kg Champion -- recently told AdCombat.com that he had inked a deal with the UFC.

Here's a snip from the Brazilian grappler:

"I am so happy that I signed with U.F.C. This event was very influential in me pursuing a fighting career and Jiu-Jitsu. i already trained karate back in the days and watching Royce Gracie fighting in U.F.C. I inspired me to this career. I am thankful to the Fertitta Brothers, Dana White and Joe Silva for the opportunity and their confidence in me. I promise to give my all to the event and the pursuit of the belt ...."

Maia is up against a tough opponent in Eastman, who has a very deceptive record. Not to mention he's going to be enormous for 185 pounds (he was a shredded 205-pounder up until this fight).

Eastman has strong wrestling skills, which he will need to leverage to keep this fight upright -- he does not want to get into a jiu-jitsu battle with Maia.

For the latest UFC 77 fight card click here.

Here are some MMA highlights of Maia (whose jiu-jitsu skills are off the charts -- this video does those skills no justice):

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Comments

maia will win by submission. eastman has lost so many times in the ufc that i just cant root for the guy anymore. his glass jaw has lost him many a fight. plus maia is the adcc champ which means that his bjj is beyond great.

by kenpostarfighter on Aug 7, 2007 5:32 PM EDT reply actions

GOOD!!!!I’ve been waitin for eastman to get back it the cage

by KOOLGUY on Aug 7, 2007 5:36 PM EDT reply actions

Has Eastman ever fought at 185 before? They’ll have to call him “Starvin Marvin” if he hopes to drop all that weight. The guy is enormous for 5’9". I know Eastman is a professional and I have the utmost respect for him but I don’t think he can get down to 185. Good luck, though.

by the Purple Nurpler on Aug 7, 2007 5:51 PM EDT reply actions

Man, I was looking forward to seeing Tanner get in the cage and destroy Beastman. But this should be a nice stepping stone for Maia

by tryangleCHOKE on Aug 7, 2007 5:55 PM EDT reply actions

He just won a 185 title. I hope Eastman wins but if he loses then we know that this Maia will either challenge or be the champ since that is all Eastman has fought in the UFC.

by The Legend on Aug 7, 2007 6:26 PM EDT reply actions

Is Maia handing out blankets with those pillows he was throwing in that highlight tape? I hope he can submit guys at this level as easily as in the video or we are in for a loooong boring fight.

by creeks on Aug 7, 2007 6:38 PM EDT reply actions

Is it just me or is Eastman shaping up to be the default “UFC punch bag”? He was picked to get his nose caved in with McFedries… Now he’s picked to get his arm snapped in 27 places… He also seems a likely candidate for the good old “Roids test”… I’m just speculating, but he’s f**king huge!

by oskarbravo on Aug 7, 2007 6:50 PM EDT reply actions

i just hope he wears that t-shirt into the octagon

by ActionJackson on Aug 7, 2007 6:51 PM EDT reply actions

Is it just me or is Eastman shaping up to be the default “UFC punch bag”?

That’s Sinosic’s job.

by Pat on Aug 7, 2007 7:13 PM EDT reply actions

Maia is totally sick on the ground. He beat Gabriel Gonzaga a few times is jiu-jistu tournaments and I think he gave Jacare all he could handle. He’s on another level. Good luck Marvin.

by AdRock on Aug 7, 2007 7:20 PM EDT reply actions

Has Eastman ever fought at 185 before? They’ll have to call him “Starvin Marvin” if he hopes to drop all that weight. The guy is enormous for 5’9". I know Eastman is a professional and I have the utmost respect for him but I don’t think he can get down to 185. Good luck, though.

I guess he has fought a few guys that are normally 185 pounders. They have his stats up on Wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvin_Eastman

by Grembone on Aug 7, 2007 9:08 PM EDT reply actions

Hm.. Maia does have a legitimate shot at winning the match. So far, I’m impressed with what I’m seeing.

by epps on Aug 7, 2007 9:34 PM EDT reply actions

Marvin Eastman is the new Elvis Sinosic

by the_mexicutioner on Aug 7, 2007 9:50 PM EDT reply actions

That’s Sinosic’s job.

Eastman will staff the middleweight doormat position along with Ed Hermann.

Sinosic is still laying down for LHW newcomers at 205.

Assuerio Silva and Trey Tilligman… shoot, heavyweight has so many doormats. Let’s see if Frank Mir can get off that list with his upcoming fight.

by Mamas Boy on Aug 7, 2007 10:16 PM EDT reply actions

So more importantly, if Eastman is in 77 now, where does this leave Evan Tanner? Did Tanner pull out? Did he go on a bender and disappear? He’s the guy I want to see.

by Mamas Boy on Aug 7, 2007 10:32 PM EDT reply actions

Eastman will staff the middleweight doormat position along with Ed Hermann.

Sinosic is still laying down for LHW newcomers at 205.

Assuerio Silva and Trey Tilligman… shoot, heavyweight has so many doormats. Let’s see if Frank Mir can get off that list with his upcoming fight.

Ahaha that’s good stuff man

by Pat on Aug 8, 2007 12:54 AM EDT reply actions

i just hope he wears that t-shirt into the octagon

Would that even be allowed?

by jjdnb on Aug 8, 2007 1:07 AM EDT reply actions

Am I alone in wanting to see this fight? This guy Maia is 5-0 and is getting some hype. This, to me is like a throwback match with a heavy handed Eastman vs. the ground specialist Maia. I certainly dont think it should headline but I myself wouldnt mind seeing this fight. Anybody else?

by Nick Russell on Aug 8, 2007 2:12 AM EDT reply actions

Here’s a better highlight reel that shows his jiu jitsu skills:
http://www.youtube.com/v/Uit7qW3xNCU

by yamaneko on Aug 8, 2007 5:07 AM EDT reply actions

Would that even be allowed?

I don’t know if it’s legal, but it’s weird. C’mon, even Tank Abbott shows some skin.

by Hyde on Aug 8, 2007 8:05 AM EDT reply actions

I don’t know if it’s legal, but it’s weird. C’mon, even Tank Abbott shows some skin.

No its not. It isnt listed here:
http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=LearnUFC.Rules

But I know that Gi’s are allowed so hence no other clothing. Only MMA Shorts or Fighting Shorts.

by BustYourFace on Aug 8, 2007 8:31 AM EDT reply actions

SORRY I MEANT NOT ALLOWED.

by BustYourFace on Aug 8, 2007 8:32 AM EDT reply actions

Big deal. This will be on the undercard, and we will never even see the fight unless you pay $2 to watch it on UFC demand. The UFC couldn’t pay me $2 to care about this match.

by ViolentMike on Aug 8, 2007 9:59 AM EDT reply actions