Maia Shows Class, Thanks Fans and Ben Askren After UFC Singapore
Demian Maia is one of the most respected fighters if all of MMA. After victory or defeat, Maia perpetually embodies class. And, the original philosophies introduced in the cultures of martial arts. So, after Maia defeated Ben Askren at UFC Singapore, he humbly laid out his plans for the next moves of his career. But, before carrying out his subsequent move, in true Demian Maia fashion, he thanked his fans and opponents first.
Demian took to his Instagram account to thank fans for their kind words. Maia also addressed his opponent Ben Askren with class and respect.
Maia Shows Class in Post Fight Statement
The message was replayed in both English and Portuguese. Translated, the message read the following:
“Thank you all very much for the support, and for the countless kind messages I received! Last night meant a lot to me, cause it’s no secret that representing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu it’s more than a mission for me, it’s a life long choice that I made. You don’t represent a martial art only by fighting, let alone winning, you do it day by day, trough the examples we set and the legacy we leave for other people. I feel privileged to be able to deliver my best and represent our martial art. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart,” wrote Maia.
“Thank you, Ben Askren, as well, for the fight and for giving me the opportunity to challenge myself and continue to seek my evolution. He is a very high-level athlete, a U.S. National Champ in Wrestling, and a former Olympic athlete. I have a lot of respect for him, and to compete against him was a challenge that drove us to our max, seeking new alternatives and ideas to develop a different strategy, revisiting techniques and changing habits. It was a privilege to have had this opportunity, and I still intend to one day have also the privilege to train a bit with him.
Thank you all again,” finished Maia.
Next for Maia After UFC Singapore
Maia’s victory over Askren marks his third victory in a row. The fight earned Demian his eighth post-fight bonus in the UFC. During the post-fight octagon interview, Maia revealed that he would more than likely only have two fights left in the UFC before retirement. He listed Diego Sanchez as being one of the two fights.
Jorge Masvidal declared his desire to avenge a loss handed to him by Maia as his last fight. No matter what is next for Maia, he will go down as one of the most respectful class acts in MMA history.
