Dana White says Demian Maia’s UFC days are probably over

It seems unlikely that Demain Maia will fight again in the UFC.

Demain Maia’s UFC 263 loss to Belal Muhammad may have been his last fight in the promotion.

Maia’s decision loss to Muhammad was the last fight on his UFC contract. It was the Brazilian’s first octagon appearance in over a year, having not fought since a stoppage loss to Gilbert Burns in March 2020.

Judging by UFC president Dana White’s comments at the event’s post-fight press conference, it seems unlikely that Maia will fight again in the UFC.

“I think that was his last fight,” White said (transcript via MMA Fighting). “It was the last fight on his deal. He’s [43 years old]. He’s been so good at getting in there, securing the takedown, getting on top of people and just strangling them or grabbing something and twisting it until you quit, and he couldn’t get it done tonight. He’s [43 years old], he’s a great guy, he’s had a great career, and yes, I would say that’s probably it.”

Maia, who is regarded as one of the greatest grapplers in MMA history, has fought in the UFC since 2007. During that time he has fought for both the UFC middleweight and welterweight titles, losing out to Anderson Silva in 2010 and Tyron Woodley in 2017. The Brazilian has picked up wins over the likes of Carlos Condit, Jorge Masvidal and Chael Sonnen during his 14-year UFC stint.