UFC 170: Demian Maia betting experience trumps 'typical' fighter like Rory MacDonald

Most of the talk surrounding this weekend's (Feb. 22, 2014) UFC 170 pay-per-view (PPV) event has been focused around the women's bantamweight title fight between Ronda Rousey and Sara McMann -- and Patrick Cummins looking to upset Daniel Cormier.

But an intriguing welterweight showdown between Demian Maia and Rory MacDonald is another bout that has much of the mixed martial arts (MMA) community buzzing.

And Maia, for one, hopes that a win over "Ares" will bring him some major rewards. But getting back into the win column after losing to Jake Shields last October is goal number one.

From Maia's conversation with MMA Fighting:

"He has a good jiu-jitsu. That's not his strongest weapon, but he's the typical modern fighter. He knows how to do everything. He has a good jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai, and good wrestling. He's the new generation. He's an excellent athlete. He has many things to prove and I'm happy to fight him. I know that a win over him brings great rewards. I'm fighting for a long time, not only in MMA but also jiu-jitsu, so I expect that my experience will make the difference in this fight."

Rory himself looks to get back on the winning track after his five-fight win streak was snapped by Robbie Lawler at UFC 167. A loss (highlights) that brought Rory's championship dreams crashing down. A win over a grizzled veteran like Maia will be a good first step in his quest back to the top.

But with Maia looking to accomplish the same thing in "Sin City," something (or someone) has got to give.