Thanks, but no thanks.
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight contender, Michael Chiesa, has big things planned for the future of the division, now that he’s left the 155-pound weight class (and his weight-cutting woes) behind.
Unfortunately, said plans do not include Demian Maia.
The Brazilian called for a fight against Chiesa after putting away Lyman Good last weekend in Fortaleza (watch the replay here). And what better place than his backyard of Curtitiba at UFC 237 on May 11.
“After he won against (Carlos) Condit, a lot of people went to my Twitter page and started to talk about him fighting me and I got interested,” Maia told MMA Junkie. “I don’t like to call (out) opponents, but it came to my mind because people keep asking me that. Curitiba would be great because the feeling is amazing. It’s a lot of pressure, but it’s a feeling I want to have one more time before I finish my career.”
That feeling might have to come against another opponent. Not only does Chiesa (15-4) have a different opponent in mind, he’s expected to have surgery over the next few weeks to correct an undisclosed injury.
“That’s cool, it’s flattering coming from Demian, I just don’t think I fit in his timeline,” Chiesa told Submission Radio. “I don’t see May in Curitiba fitting into my schedule. We already got an opponent in mind, I can’t really say too much, but I think UFC is really looking to go a different direction with me and this certain guy. Thank you, Demian, I’m a big fan of the guy, but I just don’t see it in the foreseeable future.”
It should be noted that Maia (26-9) has 13 wins by tap, nap, or snap, while “Maverick” has lost three of four by way of submission.
Get the latest gear
