Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
When Mark Munoz got injured it forced Michael Bisping into a match with Chael Sonnen and left Demian Maia without an opponent for the UFC on Fox 2 card. The immediate demand from fans was for the UFC to move Rousimar Palhares (who scored a quick win at UFC 142) into a fight with Maia. It turns out that Palhares turned down the short-notice no-rest fight (at least according to Dana White on Twitter) and the promotion settled on giving the fight to Chris Weidman.
For his part, Maia says that he didn't want to fight Palhares. Not because he was afraid, but because he thinks that Brazilian middleweights shouldn't face each other. Via SporTV (translated by Tom Mendes):
"It was rumored (a fight with Palhares), but I thought there would not be any possibilities (of it happening), because he just fought, it doesn't make sense for him to throw himself into another fight right now. "Toquinho" trained a few months for this fight. Just because it was fast doesn't mean there were no wear and tears. But I don't even think about that. To be honest, the Brazilian fans should be more worried about seeing us fighting foreigners. There are (only) a few Brazilian fighters in the division and I think that, aside of the title, since it's Anderson who is the champion, the Brazilians should not face each other."
0 recs | 198 comments
No.
StephenDedalus - January 19, 2012
You smell that?
HitokiriX - January 19, 2012
Everybody criticizing Maia for ducking or not wanting to fight Brazilians
would do well to remember the time he was throwing everything he had at Silva off his knees after being repeatedly blasted. Clearly he’ll fight anyone and do his best if it’s asked of him, and I don’t think it’s unreasonable that he thinks it’s best if Joe Silva doesn’t match up the very few Brazilians unless there’s a great reason.
For those making American analogies, it’s like if the US showed up in a city and matched two city favorites against each other. It’d still be awesome, but why not just have them fight outsiders?
Charlie Offenbacher - January 24, 2012
He obviously
Likes his limbs just how they are
taptomyarmbar - January 19, 2012
That's one way of looking at it
Kinda ducking, imo. Not ducking Paul Harris in particular, but it reeks of the whole AKA not fighting buddies deal.
Cory Braiterman - January 19, 2012
it would reek of it if he actually turned down the fight. Huge difference between not wanting to do something and not doing it.
Phildo - January 19, 2012
Exactly.
That’s his opinion on fighting Palhares. He wouldn’t like it, but he didn’t say he’d turn the fight down.
Triangled - January 19, 2012
except AKA trains together and are legitimate friends
Maia doesn’t want to do it because they’re from the same country…that’s his only explanation.
merryprankster - January 19, 2012
His attitude here sucks.
What if American fighters didn’t want to fight other Americans? Might as well structure the sport like the IFL and have each country have its own team. Ridiculous.
Machiel Van - January 19, 2012
you're looking at it wrong though
imagine if the number of Brazilians in the MW division was instead the number of Americans in the MW division, then an American saying the exact same thing Demian just said wouldn’t be so crazy (although it would still be wrong, but not crazy).
Orcus - January 19, 2012
who gives a shit what people want. Judge people on what they do, not what they say they don’t want to do. He says he doesn’t want to fight brazillians, yet 2 of his last 4 fights were against brazillians, so who cares what he wants.
Phildo - January 19, 2012
He also has said he wants to win by inflicting as little damage as possible
Maia has always been a little weird.
discoandherpes - January 19, 2012
Except that's guys WHO TRAIN TOGETHER DAILY
Compared to guys who are from the same country.
Mr.Italiano - January 19, 2012
Shut up and fight, Demian.
I can understand the other reasons but to base it on nationality? Shut up, get in the octagon and fight.
menckenstein - January 19, 2012
Nice Burn?
Maia is famous for taking every fight. He didnt turn the fight down but rather expressed relief at the fact that he doesnt have to face someone with a similar fanbase and similar style.
As I am a fan of that bjj style, to me it makes sense why I’d rather see either of these two guys match up against a wrestle or striker type. Maia vs Munoz was a fun and close fight. Although Weidman is great with subs, his base is wrestling and I am excited for that fight.
RightTriangle - January 19, 2012
yeah
and let’s not forget that he has fought two Brazilians outside of title challenges in the UFC, so this is just him expressing what he rather not do and not what he won’t do.
Orcus - January 19, 2012
It's just a really stupid concern to have
He’s an athlete in an individual combat sport, this isn’t the Olympics.
menckenstein - January 19, 2012
I don't think it's that stupid tbh
again, not defending him here, but I can see his logic. He doesn’t want to take out Brazilian fighters and thin out the division of Brazilians more than it already is (in his opinion). Keep in mind that he’s responding to the Brazilian media and fans who were also asking to see Maia vs Paul Harris, he’s basically saying that they shouldn’t be asking for those fights and in the process be responsible for taking out more Brazilian fighters. But overall I agree, people should fight whoever it is regardless of nationalities, but I don’t think his comments are that out there.
Orcus - January 19, 2012
I think that fight would be amazing
And I don’t want guys to start finding excuses not to fight each other. Training partner? Fine by me. Born somewhere in the same giant country? C’mon now…
menckenstein - January 19, 2012
agreed
I will only defend when people don’t want to fight a training partner, everything else is fair game.
Orcus - January 19, 2012
Why would he care...
…if there is one less Brazilian in the division? Bringing nationalities into this is beyond lame on his part. I’ve lost loads of respect for him because of this.
I’ve never, ever heard of another fighter wanting to avoid challenging another fighter of the same nationality. Never.
I know this seems a lil harsh, but swap out Brazilian for any number of other nationalities…
Atomic Salmon - January 19, 2012
Agreed, what do you say when your fighting in Brazil go to the middle of the ring shake hands, sit down and wait for the ref to count to 10.
Its only because he is working for a socalled Foreign company that he wants to say that. Trust me Maia you are not getting more fans in Brazil because you will protect your national identity and stand up to the big bad Americans.
dandeman - January 19, 2012
What is it with these Brazilians?
Fight anyone or fuck off.
hatsofftous - January 19, 2012
Nationality shouldn't have anything to do with the matches
These guys are both “in the mix” (cringes) and a fight is almost inevitable. Once they fight it’s done. What’s the big deal??
And I really wanna see these two on the mat.
RashadsLeftNipple - January 19, 2012
Can't say I blame Maia for making whatever excuses possible to avoid this fight.
GutenDirk - January 19, 2012
If someone asked me to fight the tree stump, I'd be like:
Hey, we both watch a fair amount of Adventure Time. And that is a line that you just do not cross.
I will fight Kendall Grove, though. He seems like a “Yo Gabba Gabba” guy. That’s the makings of a great fight.
SanFranpsycho - January 19, 2012
I can't even BELIEVE
you’d ask me to fight a fellow Pisces
Dave Strummer - January 19, 2012
I promised my mother I would't fight anyone with brown hair, her dad had brown hair.
menckenstein - January 19, 2012
I'm sorry
but I absolutely refuse to fight a man who wears primary colored clothes, off-white and neutrals maybe…maaaaaayyyyyybe.
SentientAndroid - January 19, 2012
Swing and a Miss huh?
tattlerat - January 19, 2012
:(
I got one rec though!
SentientAndroid - January 19, 2012
They can't all be home runs
The Lethal Haze - January 19, 2012
I don't like what he is saying
this is the UFC not the Olympics
biggant - January 19, 2012 via mobile
There aren't that many brazilian middleweights?
I count 7 of them in my top 20.
1. Anderson Silva
2. Vitor Belfort
3. Damian Maia
4. Jacare Souza
5. Paul Harris
6. Jorge Santiago
7. Wanderlei Silva
darkotto23 - January 19, 2012
he’s talking about in the UFC though
Orcus - January 19, 2012
Replace Jacare and Santiago
with Ronny Markes and Rafael Natal, and you still have 7 current UFC fighters.
Scott Haber - January 19, 2012
true
but what’s the ratio to Brazilians fighting in other divisions? I’m not defending him that he shouldn’t fight other Brazilians, but I don’t think he’s that wrong in saying there aren’t many in MW.
Orcus - January 19, 2012
Here are the numbers i got from wiki.
Out of 326 fighters currently under contract with the UFC 48 of them are Brazilian.
Here are the breakdowns per division;
HW – 6/32 (18.8%)
LHW 6/31 (19.4%)
MW 8/48 (16.7%)
WW 7/62 (11.3%)
LW 7/57 (12.3%)
FW 10/52 (19.2%)
BW 3/39 (7.7%)
FLW 1/5 (20%)
So ignoring Flyweights (because there are only 5 fighters) The middleweight division has the 4th highest percentage of Brazilian fighters. Its actually right in the middle of the pack.
darkotto23 - January 19, 2012
Nice work.
So if you ignore the fractions, MW has the most Brazilian fighters of any division.
Machiel Van - January 19, 2012
well, featherweight has 10 brazilian fighters.
darkotto23 - January 19, 2012
awesome
I always wanted to have a picture of the numbers but was always lazy to look it up. but being in the middle doesn’t necessarily mean they have “many”. but fair enough.
Orcus - January 19, 2012
dude
would be cool to see also numbers of Americans, Canadians, British, etc. is that info in a page all together?
Orcus - January 19, 2012
here is what i got:
United States
HW – 18/32 (56.3%)
LHW 13/31 (41.9%)
MW 28/48 (58.3%)
WW 36/62 (58.1%)
LW 32/57 (56.1%)
FW 28/52 (53.8%)
BW 24/39 (61.5%)
FLW 3/5 (60%)
Brazil
HW – 6/32 (18.8%)
LHW 6/31 (19.4%)
MW 8/48 (16.7%)
WW 7/62 (11.3%)
LW 7/57 (12.3%)
FW 10/52 (19.2%)
BW 3/39 (7.7%)
FLW 1/5 (20%)
Canada
HW – 0/32 (0%)
LHW 2/31 (6.5%)
MW 2/48 (4.2%)
WW 5/62 (8.1%)
LW 5/57 (8.8%)
FW 2/52 (3.8%)
BW 3/39 (7.7%)
FLW 0/5 (0%)
England
HW – 3/32 (9.4%)
LHW 0/31 (0%)
MW 1/48 (2.1%)
WW 6/62 (9.7%)
LW 3/57 (5.3%)
FW 2/52 (3.8%)
BW 2/39 (5.1%)
FLW 0/5 (0%)
Japan
HW – 0/32 (0%)
LHW 0/31 (0%)
MW 2/48 (4.2%)
WW 1/62 (1.6%)
LW 1/57 (1.8%)
FW 2/52 (3.8%)
BW 2/39 (5.1%)
FLW 1/5 (20%)
darkotto23 - January 19, 2012
champions:
Brazil 43%
US 43%
Canada 14%
I’m just saying :p
Orcus - January 19, 2012
WHERE YOU AT CANADA?!
menckenstein - January 19, 2012
Canada is actually doing pretty good though
they only got 6% of the roster but owns 14% of the championships. Brazil only has 15% of the roster but owns 43% of the championships. The US has 56% of the roster but owns 43% of the championships… just some food for thought…
Orcus - January 19, 2012
... where you at.... UNITED KINGDOM?!
menckenstein - January 19, 2012
ha!
Orcus - January 19, 2012
Did you forgot
The people´s champ??
edtSD - January 19, 2012
Lol
Mr.Italiano - January 19, 2012
Take a look at populations...
30M vs 200M… then those numbers start to be more logical.
Actually, based on population, Canada is killing Brazil… just sayin
Atomic Salmon - January 19, 2012
population of a country is far less important
than population in the organization. but I agree with you, Canada is doing pretty well considering how many fighters they got overall.
Orcus - January 20, 2012
that's current champions, here is the breakdown of champions of all time
Total Number of UFC champions (including interim champs like Carwin and Big Nog) = 49
Breakdown
US – 36/49 (73.4%)
Brazil – 8/49 (16.3%)
Canada – 2/49 (4.1%)
Belarus – 1/49 (2%)
Netherlands – 1/49 (2%)
darkotto23 - January 19, 2012
yeah
but that’s pre Pride era, it would be more interesting to break it down post-Pride.
Orcus - January 19, 2012
No it's not.
RolloTomasi - January 19, 2012
what I meant to say
is that it includes pre-pride era. the UFC (at least in my opinion) didn’t become the go to promotion until the end of Pride.
Orcus - January 19, 2012
ok therese are the numbers in the Post-Pride era (Everything after UFC 170)
Total Champions – 26 (from BW to HW)
American Champions – 19 (73.1%)
Brazillian Champions – 6 (23.1%)
Canadian Champions – 1 (3.8%)
darkotto23 - January 19, 2012
*UFC 70
darkotto23 - January 19, 2012
fair enough
but give us another five years and let’s count them again :p
Orcus - January 19, 2012
this is a useless statistic because it doesn’t count people who win the belt and keep it. When Carwin beats Mir there is another American champion, but when Anderson Silva kills everyone Brazil stays at the same amount.
Phildo - January 19, 2012
lol ok hows this?
These are the number of successful title defenses per country (in the post-PRIDE era)
U.S. – 19 (out of 18 champions)
Brazil – 15 (out of 6 champions)
Canada – 6 (out of 1 GSP)
btw i just want to point out that I’m not trying to prove American dominance in MMA or anything like that. I’m Mexican i really don’t care about all that stuff, I’ve simply been providing the stats for whoever wanted them.
darkotto23 - January 19, 2012
don't worry man
I’m also just playing around, but it’s fun looking at these stuff!
Orcus - January 20, 2012
i messed up it should be out of a total of 25 champions and there should only be 18 from the US
i included Rich Franklin when i shouldn’t have.
darkotto23 - January 19, 2012
cheater!
Orcus - January 20, 2012
AMERICA
Why do we have so many heavyweights?
RobtWeaver - January 19, 2012
merryprankster - January 19, 2012
lol
This is in San Diego, down by the Sports Arena where a bunch of the MMA gyms are. Unless there’s more than one 24-Hour Fatness that has escalators.
I lol’d pretty hard when I saw it for the first time, but then I was about to walk into a Michael’s Craft Store… so I shut up.
hardlyworking - January 19, 2012
Yeah I used to work out over there. But to be fair, the gym is located in a mall and there are other stores on that level.
edtSD - January 19, 2012
yea they aer pretty evenly spead out
btw here is where i got all the numbers:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_current_UFC_fighters
i find it hilarious that besides the US, Brazil, Canada, England, and Japan
Sweden has the most UFC fighters with 5 ha ha
darkotto23 - January 19, 2012
this is an awesome page
thanks brother!
Orcus - January 19, 2012
no problem, i use it all the time
darkotto23 - January 19, 2012
so...
Imagine how boring(and non existant) the fights would be if countrymen did not fight each other. Maybe next European fighters won’t want to fight each other because they inhabit the same continent.
MediaOutlaws - January 19, 2012
Should Americans not fight Americans either? I can’t say this makes much sense to me…
castleeb - January 19, 2012
Maia's reasoning isn't fully fleshed out
But I actually agree with him here. Building the Brazilian market should be the UFC’s biggest priority this year, and if that means booking fights with an eye toward nationality and building a narrative, I’m all for it.
Patrick Wyman - January 19, 2012
Thank you
for a reasonable thought there. People are getting way to worked up about this IMO. recced.
DankNabbot - January 19, 2012
Fair enough
But don´t forget that the fight that really made the UFC brake some barriers here in Brazil was between two brazilians.
edtSD - January 19, 2012
Agreed, but different situation
Because that fight brought attention to Anderson, who had been a relative unknown. The priorities have shifted since then.
Patrick Wyman - January 19, 2012
Actually no
That fight brought attention to MMA and to Anderson of course. It was the first time that casuals (fans and media) were pre-talking about a fight. Hell it was the first time that I was able to gather some friends to watch a fight. It was the fight the started everything. UFC 134 was the icing on the cake.
edtSD - January 19, 2012
it was the first time I was able to talk about MMA with anyone who was not my dad lol
and I called them noobs :p
Orcus - January 19, 2012
Same here. But I still coudn´t talk anyone into joining BE.
edtSD - January 19, 2012
haha
most of my friends would get the hammer within seconds :p
Orcus - January 19, 2012
hahahahha that´s true!!
IMO the comment sections in Brazilian MMA blogs make MMA Mania look like a Tai Shi Chuan gathering.
edtSD - January 19, 2012
we need a Brazilian version of BE
to keep people in check :p
Orcus - January 19, 2012
Martelo de probiçaõ está com sede!
wonderfulspam - January 19, 2012
kkkkkkk
Orcus - January 19, 2012
Uhhh
How has the situation not changed since then? The Anderson-Vitor fight allowed MMA to move into the public consciousness, and now the UFC needs to shift its priorities to ensure the future growth of that market.
Patrick Wyman - January 19, 2012
Oh of course
The shift of priority must be the reason for them to make TUF Brazil with brazilian fighters and coaches fighting each other or to set up fights between brazilians in the undercards of the last two events held around here.
And let´s not forget that Paul Harris suposedly was the first one to be called to fight Maia.
By the way, it´s Maia himself that talked about not fighting another brazilian and not the UFC saying that they dont want this kind of thing.
edtSD - January 19, 2012
I said that Maia’s viewpoint made good sense and the UFC should strongly consider it, not that this was in fact the UFC’s strategy going forward.
Patrick Wyman - January 19, 2012
You´re right. My bad…
edtSD - January 19, 2012
If that's true, he's also saying that he doesn't want to fight Anderson for the belt cause he's Brazilian?
Oh an that Victor and Wandy shouldn’t be coaching TUF then having to fight?
Sorry the logic is flawed even from building a market stand point.
squaresphere - January 19, 2012
Missing the point
He’s saying – and I agree – that having Brazilian contenders eliminate each other doesn’t further the overall goal of increasing the visibility of Brazilian fighters to that market. And come on with TUF Brazil – it’s a reality show in Brazil intended for a Brazilian audience, of course they need two popular Brazilian fighters to coach and headline. Wandy isn’t a contender right now, the odds aren’t in his favor, and nobody thinks he’s going to make a run at the belt; for Belfort, though, beating Wandy could launch him into another title fight. Maia and Palhares are both viable future contenders.
Patrick Wyman - January 19, 2012
Before kicking Vitor in the jaw, nobody knew who Anderson was in Brazil
Same w/ Aldo. I think it’s a moot point. It just depends on how well you perform.
menckenstein - January 19, 2012
"and I think that, aside of the title, since it's Anderson who is the champion, the Brazilians should not face each other.""
merryprankster - January 19, 2012
You should read the post.
Triangled - January 19, 2012
people are way overacting to this
Maia has fought several Brazilians, he’d just prefer not to face Brazilians.
and I’m sure keeping his foot facing the correct direction also played into this…
T.P. Grant - January 19, 2012
true 3 out of his last 5 fights have been against brazillians
darkotto23 - January 19, 2012
Yeah i think this year they should also throw a UFC on Fuel fight down there in Brazils version of Nashville
Will Paul Harris headlining
AfroSamurai - January 19, 2012
So...
in order to break ground in a country, they should not have to fight folks of other nationalities? So Canadians shouldn’t be fighting Canadians when trying to gain more acceptance in Canada? Does that work?
Atomic Salmon - January 19, 2012
I wouldn’t want to fight Palhares since we are both from Earth (I think)
IRodC - January 19, 2012
The UFC took his comments to heart and announced that everyone in the UFC will now have to fight Minowaman
He’s the only MMA fighter from Splash Heaven.
menckenstein - January 19, 2012
But..... But
Anderson is Brazilian
rscott94 - January 19, 2012 via mobile
In fairness
he did say outside of title fights.
SentientAndroid - January 19, 2012
Yeah...
Reading before commenting would’ve probably helped me out
rscott94 - January 19, 2012 via mobile
Because American fighters never fight Americans? What?
Patrick Tenney - January 19, 2012
I´m Brazilian and I think that this is lame
It may be an excuse or not, but it´s lame either way.
edtSD - January 19, 2012
So instead of fighting someone with decent name-recognition that he would be stylistically favored to beat he puts himself into a lose/lose scenario? Weird logic there Demian.
3PA - January 19, 2012
Maia is stylistically favoured to beat Palhares? How so?
Our Bovine Public - January 19, 2012
he has the jits to defend/fight back
plus an evolving striking game. Palhares is improving to but comparing the last few fights I think Maia wins the striking.
merryprankster - January 19, 2012
Basically this
3PA - January 19, 2012
Palhares is a hnadful for anyone. It would prob be a close fight but I wouldn’t say anyone has a stylistic advantage over the other
Our Bovine Public - January 19, 2012
I thought it was Palhares who turned down the fight?
Disco1Stu - January 19, 2012
Palhares' manager turned down the fight I believe.
Maia is just also stating that he’d much rather not fight fellow Brazillians outside of title fights, but he’s not saying that he wouldn’t.
SentientAndroid - January 19, 2012
don’t let facts get in the way of being outraged over someone’s thoughts.
Phildo - January 19, 2012
It was Palhares who turned the fight down. Rightfully so, I’d want time to train for Damian Maia too.
I think the general consensus is that Damian’s comments about possibly being matched up with Palhares(and stating he doesnt want to fight his countrymen) is what everyone thinks is lame.
MediaOutlaws - January 19, 2012
Plus as Maia pointed out
Palhares may need recovery time from the Massenzio fight despite quickly finishing him.
Chortles - January 19, 2012
Yea...
Surprisingly, Harris was injured.
Atomic Salmon - January 19, 2012
I heard all citizens of the world are applying for brazilian citizenship… no one wants anything with Toquinho…
juziel - January 19, 2012
Cool! My legs are safe!!
edtSD - January 19, 2012
and that’s a rec
Rob Young - January 19, 2012
-
Grappo - January 19, 2012
lol lol
Holy shit, he just tossed that guy off his back like he was nothing!
SentientAndroid - January 20, 2012
he duckin
nastyem - January 19, 2012
Reading Comprehension!
Palhares turned down the fight because he wouldn’t have enough time to train. Maia is simply saying he wouldn’t have wanted to fight Palhares anyway and used pretty shoddy reasoning to explain himself. Criticize his reasoning all you want, but to say he’s ducking has no bearing on reality.
Democritus - January 19, 2012
dont care
nastyem - January 19, 2012
Yea, facts are irrelevant the situation. he isn’t the one that turned down the fight, 2 of his last 4 fights weren’t for the title and were against brazillians, but he’s clearly ducking.
Phildo - January 19, 2012
Maybe I’m doing a bad job of trolling psychoblack style.
nastyem - January 19, 2012
One of the words you used does not belong...and it starts with an M and ends in aybe.
Cocytus - January 19, 2012
yeah the thing about those other brazilians is
neither of them were Paul Harris
yeah he duckin
Rob Young - January 19, 2012
I think he's just channeling his inner psychoblack.
Sugel Mendoza - January 19, 2012
Talking about reading comprehension… Palhares had to turn down the fight because his passport is expired…
Shnak - January 19, 2012
whoa there comment section
He didn’t avoid the fight or express a preference before the fight. AFTER the match was made he expressed that he thought it was better-to brazilian media and brazilian fans- that the brazilian v brazilian matchup not happen at that moment.
Seriously I don’t see the big problem here. Dude isn’t afraid of anybody. He just has an idea about what is best for the Brazilian contingent in the promotion. If your’s is different, fine, but what is with all the vitriol here?
DankNabbot - January 19, 2012
Well, I hope he doesn’t have the same approach when it comes to grappling competitions
IRodC - January 19, 2012
i can see the reluctance in fighting friends, but to not fight someone because they are the same nationality?
that’s silly
phantom5691 - January 19, 2012
Exactly
Mr.Italiano - January 19, 2012
Exactly...
Atomic Salmon - January 19, 2012
Maia is looking at building MMA in Brazil and Brazilian fighters — and while he would rather not fight against fellow Brazilians, he has done so in the past.
In fact, two of his last four fights were against Brazilians. He is willing to do it — but would rather not.
fbihop - January 19, 2012
It turns out that Palhares turned down the short-notice no-rest fight
Clearly Maia is ducking
Ricardo Arguello - January 19, 2012
that is the only logical conclusion one could draw from the facts
The Lethal Haze - January 19, 2012
Back when Anderson fought Maia and Leites....
…and spared them from brutal knockouts, I entertained the possibility that he did so because they were Brazilian and he did not wish to embarrass his fellow countrymen.
I sort of abandoned that idea after learning that Silva didn’t particularly care for Maia and after watching Silva put Belfort away in just about the most embarrassing way possible.
But now that I hear this it makes me wonder a new if Silva didn’t show some mercy to his overmatched Brazilian Jiu jitsu compatriots.
Luke Nelson - January 19, 2012
naw man
how can the Vitor KO be more embarrassing than what Silva did to Maia and Leites? If I’m a fighter, I’d rather go out KO’d than to have the fighter in front of me play around and me not being able to do anything about it because he’s that much superior than myself, while everyone in the world is watching it… that’s a thought experience though, I’m sure my mind doesn’t work the same as a fighter’s mind.
Orcus - January 19, 2012
I think he knew vitor was more dangerous to him
He probably HAD to put vitor away to avoid risking anything
Mr.Italiano - January 19, 2012
Nah bro, this is the UFC
The best fight the best, the fact that Brazilians need to fight each other in such a situation should make Demian proud that this many Brazilians are at the top of the division.
Rob Young - January 19, 2012
Uncle Red - January 19, 2012
Also, that picture is way better....
than the one that is always greened of him sitting on top of the cage hulking out.
Luke Nelson - January 19, 2012
bu bu bu bu but the one with him on top of the cage moves!
Rob Young - January 19, 2012
He has arms the size of legs.
And legs the size of freshmen.
SanFranpsycho - January 19, 2012 via mobile
Also while on the topic of Paul Harris
wasn’t it awesome to hear Jon Anik pronounce his last name properly on the Fuel weigh in show?
Rob Young - January 19, 2012
Nationalism… Fuck it and the stupidity it brings to MMA.
I can’t even imagine if Americans began to say they didn’t want to fight other Americans.
Empty Thoughts - January 19, 2012
I think it’d be a little different for Americans due to the circumstances. I mean most the fighters in the UFC are American and train in the States, so it would be hard to be get fights if you didn’t fight americans.
And, the fans would make a huge fuss over an American saying that shit.
I don’t mind the teammate stuff, but not facing someone due to their nationality is a weaker excuse.
Robert V-U - January 19, 2012
Yup...
…but since he’s from Brazil, we’ll all kind of tip toe around it and talk about the “ducking” angle more than the “nationalism” angle… just take a look at the comments and see. :)
Atomic Salmon - January 19, 2012
oh come on
look how many negative comments there are about nationalism here. It’s not like people are giving him a pass just because he’s Brazilian. people that come up with double standard arguments are usually flawed because people are giving Demain a hard time here.
Orcus - January 20, 2012
I guess some MMA fans just don't get it.
Many Brazilian fighters really don’t care to fight other Brazilians fighters if they had a choice. That includes Shogun, Anderson Silva, Noguiera and many others that have made similar statements.
Fighting another Brazilian probably doesn’t do them any favors in Brazil.
VeeisAnimated - January 19, 2012
so who do the brazilians in Brazil fight?
Kind of a stupid point but seriously…
I don’t think it’s that MMA fans don’t get it. I just think as fans we expect matches based on rankings or even grudges. It’s understandable if they would prefer to fight someone besides their countrymen, but nationality should not factor into matches at the level that these guys are at. You fight, it’s done and you worry about your next matchup
RashadsLeftNipple - January 19, 2012
in Brazil
Brazilians mostly fight Brazilians (they are the majority), but we do have many international athletes as well. here’s a hypothetical though, we put the only two Argentinians we have fighting in promotion X against one another instead of a Brazilian, wouldn’t seem fair because one of those might be going home and not called back. so now there’s only one left instead of two. now, imagine, those two Argentinians were put against two Brazilians, there’s a chance both would move on, and the promotion would still have two Argentinians. that’s Demian’s mind set, I don’t think it’s a crazy one.
Orcus - January 19, 2012
You don’t think it is, but it still is.
Empty Thoughts - January 19, 2012
LIKE I SAID . . . some MMA fans just don't get it.
This sentiment has been expressed by many Brazilian fighters in the past. Maia is not the first Brazilian fighter to express these thoughts.
Personally I think Orcus example should be suffice but I’m . . . whatever.
I’m almost sure that any Japanese fighter, who probably faced many Japanese fighters in Japan probably wouldn’t be too thrilled to compete against a fellow countrymen for the debut in a premier organization like the UFC on American soil.
VeeisAnimated - January 19, 2012
I seriously don't think Brazilians would take issues with Brazilians fighting on US soil.
and I seriously think Demian is talking more about volume of Brazilians and not any hate or disrespect towards the US.
Orcus - January 19, 2012
Yeah, definitely not hate or disrespect. I’m not trying to insinuate that. After all, we’ve seen many Brazilian vs Brazilian matches in the U.S. Even on the championship level between two guys who trained with each other before. There was no animosity between Shogun and Machida.
But I’m sure the only motivation in that fight was probably the title.
VeeisAnimated - January 19, 2012
Except there's plenty of top Brazilian fighters
Unlike Argentinian ones, so no that example really didn’t work. Brazil has 3 champions, including one in Damian’s weight class. Again, no other country says dumb shit like this. Brazil needs to move on from it, Wanderlei has a huge desire to fight Belfort in Brazil, and Brazil is stoked about it too.
Mr.Italiano - January 19, 2012
obviously that was just an example
but look at the numbers, of all the athletes in the UFC 15% are Brazilians. Demian is talking about the volume of Brazilian fighters.
Orcus - January 19, 2012
I understand
I just see nationality as a stupid reason to not fight someone, although from what I read he didn’t turn it down. I’ve just only heard comments like these from brazilians, they’re kinda gettin irritating lol
Mr.Italiano - January 19, 2012
oh I hear you
I also don’t like when people don’t want to fight other people because of their nationality.
Orcus - January 19, 2012
Good point....
I’ve ONLY ever heard this kinda shit from Brazilians; anyone know why?
Atomic Salmon - January 19, 2012
Well that's dumb then
Americans fight Americans in the US so…… And Kelly vs Taylor made the Britts go nuts. I remember all those other guys saying it too, and it’s annoying. I’d be pissed if any member of any country spit that garbage out, it sounds racist and ignorant. Or “nationalistic” or whatever it would technically be, I really don’t give a shit. It’s upsetting and sounds stupid.
Mr.Italiano - January 19, 2012
Chael Sonnen just tweeted he's no longer fighting Americans.
That’s a lie. But he will.
Mongoose44 - January 19, 2012
Given his record
I think he’d rather be brazilian.
Triangled - January 19, 2012
He's looking out for his mans and them.
HIS MANSINEM.
Brent Ducharme - January 19, 2012
so sick of hearing brazilian fighters talking about foreigners and all that shit
its starting to come off racist and stupid
shut your mouth and fight
IM MAD BRO!!!!!!!!!
gxc - January 19, 2012
uhh this isn't about race at all
it’s about nationality if anything.
Robert V-U - January 19, 2012
Straight up
Its pissin me off too, sounds ignorant as fuck.
Mr.Italiano - January 19, 2012
Starting?!??!
This kinda talk has been coming out of Brazilian fighters for a LONG LONG LONG time…
Atomic Salmon - January 19, 2012
RIDICULOUS
Paul Harris isn’t even close to being a Brazilian name.
merryprankster - January 19, 2012
You can't touch this
Day Man - January 19, 2012
Nate didn't win fair GTFOH
punching a man in the face as he’s clearly asking the ref a question
AfroSamurai - January 19, 2012
Nate just wanted to knock out him out before he could accuse him of greasing.
TheFilt - January 19, 2012
Fair?
Too stupid to keep fighting after a guy slips out of your one trick, i call that win fair.
Scurnt - January 20, 2012
"Protect yourself at all times"
It’s his responsibility. If he wants to turn away from his opponent and drop his hands, that’s on him.
Genki Sudo's Choreographer - January 20, 2012
Silly nationalism is silly!
Magaca - January 19, 2012
These "figher's code" rules are getting out of hand
Won’t fight teammates… wont’ fight fellow military guys… won’t fight friends… now, won’t fight fellow countryman.
I DEEPLY respect fighters. They sacrifice a lot so my fat ass can be entertained on a weekend. But these outdated dojo codes have got to go. This is a professional sport.
jackbox - January 19, 2012
The Klitschko brothers will not face each other, would you question their professionalism?
VeeisAnimated - January 19, 2012
They are giant Russians
I question everything tall people do.
Andy Anderson - January 19, 2012
With their head up in the clouds
You never know what they could be thinking.
GreyedOut - January 19, 2012
i guess it’s a good thing for you that Maia’s wants don’t effect what he actually does.
Phildo - January 19, 2012
*sigh* Did you even read the article?
GreyedOut - January 19, 2012
Teammates is different
It’s a team, you shouldn’t fight each other. Not to mention the trouble in splitting coaches, who trains where, etc. everything else I agree with you on.
Mr.Italiano - January 19, 2012
I agree and disagree with you
As a fan, I agree. As someone who trains part time around professionals, I completely understand where they are coming from. Think of all your close friends; how eager would you be to beat them unconcious on national television?
Genki Sudo's Choreographer - January 20, 2012
HAY GUIZE!!
Y MAIA H8 ON MURCA? HUH?
RobtWeaver - January 19, 2012
Wtf this is ridiculous
Brazilians shouldn’t fight each other??? Get that weak shit out of here, so Americans shouldn’t fight Americans? Englishmen shouldn’t fight each other? Wtf no other country ever says dumb shit like this except brazil, you have 3 champions in the UFC….. I’d say you guys are “developed” enough. As a fan of demean, this is garbage.
Mr.Italiano - January 19, 2012
Different mindsets, different cultures I think
Got a lot of Americans and others here thinking it’s stupid that Brazilians don’t want to fight each other, but the way I see it is you’re applying American logic to a Brazilian issue.
In America it’s easy to fight everyone. Especially in a sport dominated by Americans. It’s just never been a big deal with our mindsets of ‘fight anyone anytime’.
Maia isn’t the first one to say these sorts of things, as I believe Anderson mentioned not wanting to fight Brazilians ether. Brazilians likely feel as if they’re representing their country and their heritage when they fight, whereas Americans typically are just representing themselves when they fight.
So when they must face each other, they’ll do it but I think it goes against their preference to fight FOR Brazil, not AGAINST it.
Brazilians just love them some Brazil, IMO. American’s don’t have the same mindset and I’m not saying that’s good or bad, it’s just different.
deathbydegrees20 - January 19, 2012
Errr....
I dunno… i have a feeling that Yanks love them some ‘Murrica just as much, if not more so, than many other countries…. yet I still don’t heard this kind of crap from any other fighters form any other country.
Atomic Salmon - January 19, 2012
How about?
the over it and quit bitching? seriously who cares what he said about fighting fellow brazilians every brazilian fighter feels the same way. Look how Anderson fought Lietes and Maia compared to how he fought Okami,Forrest,Franklin etc. Besides it wouldn’t be fair to make Paul harris fight again on that short of a notice he isn’t Chris Leben he actually has a future as a contender in the UFC.
nickrodamous - January 19, 2012
can someone explain how Maia is ducking Palhares, when it was Rousimar and his team that turned down the fight?
i admit that not wanting to fight your own countrymen is a bit lame. i respect his right to his opinion, it’s just silly to me.
he hasn’t turned down any fights and even though his reasoning is kind of ridiculous i don’t think this is such a big deal to begin with.
Victor Rodriguez - January 19, 2012
This aint the IFL!
It’s not about the Sao Paulo Sharks vs the Las Vegas Llamas or something like that. Wanderlei has no problem fighting Vitor. Likewise with Anderson vs any of the other Brazilian fighters.
Does Maia want to be a fucking fighter (in Dana speech) or does he want to be buddy buddy with the hundreds of other fighters that happen to share a country of origin?
Jabroni - January 19, 2012
Completely understandable.
vivero - January 19, 2012
really surprised there are so many comments on this
americans tend to get worked up when questions of nationhood arise. shrug I guess that’s why ya’ll got your panties in a bunch.
anyhow, i’d rather see paul harris get a couple more easy fights. against guys with very long, slender legs. any mw kickboxers out there? hmm yes this is what uncle max wants to see hmm yes.
UncleMax - January 19, 2012 via Android app
I'm so sick of hearing this sh*t already
I call bullsh*t on all accounts: nationality, friends, training partners, etc. The nationality things is completely ridiculous and has no place in this sport or any other one. How about all the Canadians say they don’t want to play hard against other Canadians in Hockey? Gimme a break, you fight individually and you need to fight any and all in your division.
Now, does a training partner hold some merit, yes, they do, but only in so far as there would NO OTHER ELIGIBLE OPPONENTS ONCE YOU’VE REACHED THE POINT OF FIGHTING TOP GUYS. Now I even am stricter really and think you should even fight your training partners if the next man in line happens to be that person, BUT, I will give a little on it and say that while you’re working your way up the ladder, if you can avoid a training partner in favor of other dudes, then great, allow it.
HOWEVER, once you have pretty much fought all the top guys and there is really noone left to fight other than your T Partner, then you MUST fight that person, plain and simple. If you want to be the best and achieve the Belt and pinnacle of your sport AT YOUR WEIGHT CLASS, then you need to fight training partners, as unfortunate as that may be.
Olympic athletes who train together and are friends in some cases have NO OTHER choice but to compete against each other and although I realize fighting is different in the some senses, it does not matter, nor should it. You are trying to achieve one goal, the Gold or the Belt in this case, and therefore, if the top guys are your Training partners, then you have to compete against them.
I really hope Dana stands by his word when it comes time for this to happen and I think Maia is ducking Palhares. If they fought, this would be such an awesome display of Brazilian JJ it would be crazy. I really want to see how is better between the two of them and now we can’t. Enough already w/ the I can’t fight you b/c you’re purple, or b/c you knew a girl whose cousin I once dated crap. this is a sport so Fight already & stfu about who you don’t want to fight.
theflyingtsunami - January 19, 2012
I agree...
That Maia v Harris would be the sickest of the sick as far as BJJ goes… or someone will get KO’d in 35 seconds and we all lose!
Atomic Salmon - January 19, 2012
Or 15 mins of shitbird kickboxing
Scurnt - January 20, 2012
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