The day Demian Maia hangs up his gloves has not yet dawned.
In just three months, the 39-year-old Brazilian went from the welterweight contender's table to (premature) retirement watch. As he told the media following Saturday's decision loss to Colby Covington, though, we haven't seen the last of him.
"I intend on fighting for another year or two," Maia said in his native Sao Paulo after UFC Fight Night 119, according to MMA Fighting's Dave Doyle.
He added, "My goal is to keep on fighting. It's a very tough sport. MMA is a tough sport, I will think about that. I have been in the UFC for 10 years and every time it is an emotional roller coaster. It's something that if you've never been in it you'll never understand."
The jiu-jitsu ace has called the UFC home since October 2007, and reportedly has one fight remaining on his existing deal.
Maia had MMA diehards clamoring for him to get a crack at Tyron Woodley's title after mounting a seven-fight win streak. However, he's now failed to secure a takedown in over 30 attempts across his losses to the champ and Covington - a bad omen for a grappler of his ilk. Having fought three members of American Top Team consecutively, the Brazilian chalked up the slump in part to the extensive tape at the camp's disposal.
"I had problems taking Woodley down and we changed a lot of things, but we also have to remember that I fought against two great wrestlers in my last two fights," Maia said. "Woodley and Colby, an All-American from Oregon University. For sure, I fought against three wrestlers from American Top Team in my last three fights, and people try to figure (out) your game plan, they study, and it gets harder."
