“I’m trying my best not to think about retirement,” Demian Maia is unsure about hanging his gloves after UFC 263

“I’m trying my best not to think about retirement,” Demian Maia is unsure about hanging his gloves after UFC 263

Demian Maia and Belal Muhammad

The UFC veteran and one of the greatest grapplers of all time, Demian Maia is booked to face the rising Welterweight prospect, Belal Muhammad at the main card of UFC 263.

Maia is a two times former title contender and he knows retirement isn’t far away for him. But the UFC veteran is unsure that his fight against Muhammad is going to be the last fight of his career or not.

In his latest interview with Combate, Demian Maia says, “To be honest, I’m trying my best not to think about that retirement, so it doesn’t carry over to the fight. That can disrupt my performance. I do have two plans on my mind, though.”

“One is to do this fight, that’s the main thing. I might retire or not after this fight. If I do well, and mostly if I feel well, I’d like to have one more fight after this, to retire. It’s either going to be this one or the one after. It won’t go past that.” {H/T BloodyElbow}

Belal Muhammad is coming into this fight with four wins and one no-contest against Leon Edwards in his last fight. Muhammad is a well-balanced striker but Maia believes he will take him to the ground and add one more submission victory to his record.

Demian Maia added, “He’s a good striker, although he comes from wrestling, he fights like a striker, He does take some opponents down, which I don’t think will be my case. I think he’ll try to strike with me.”

“He’s well-rounded, tough, has a good gas tank. He comes at you and tries to win with his volume. It’s no easy fight. He switches stances a lot, so he’s pretty well-rounded on the feet, with a good wrestling background.” {H/T BloodyElbow}

Demian Maia hopes to execute his game plan perfectly

Demian Maia
Demian Maia

Demian Maia holds 14 submission victories in his MMA career and he believes if he’ll be able to take Belal Muhammad into the ground, he’ll carve out his way for a win in this one too.

He continued, “There are two ways the fight can go, one is me being able to impose my gameplan. The other one is him defending it and not letting me grab him.”

“Then he’ll impose his gameplan on the feet, which will make it hard for me to maintain my rhythm, I hope I can submit him. Preferably as soon as possible and without suffering any damage, and him, too. I hope I can win in the best way possible. I’ll always look for the submission.” {H/T BloodyElbow}

What are your views on this how do you think this fight will end up for Maia?

Also Read: UFC 263 (Main Card): Demian Maia vs Belal Muhammad Preview and Prediction.