Maia vs. Miller
One of the featured bouts of UFC 109: Relentless is a middleweight contest between submission ace Demian Maia and gritty fighter Dan Miller.
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This main card bout will be contested at middleweight (185 pounds) featuring two fighters that are looking to jump up to main-event status. Maia enters the fight as the favorite with a betting line of -400 according to online sports book Sportsbook.com. Miller has a money line of +300. Here is a closer look at both fighters heading into this main event bout, which will take place from the
Demian Maia (11-1):
Strengths: Maia is one of the best submission fighters in the world today and all five of his UFC victories are by submission, three of which came in the first round. Once Maia gets fighters to the ground, he makes short work of them and scores a submission. He has some of the best transitions ever seen in the octagon and once the fight gets to the ground, it seems to be academic.
Weaknesses: Maia’s standup is not where it needs to be to become a world champion, and that was proven in his first loss, as he was knocked out in one punch by Nate Marquardt. The fight with Marquardt was his first real test against a top-level fighter, and he suffered an embarrassing loss. When someone gets knocked out, sometimes they are tentative in their next fight. That will be a key mental hurdle for Maia to get over.
Last Five Fights:
First round KO loss to Nate Marquardt at UFC 102 on Aug. 29, 2009
First round submission win over Chael Sonnen at UFC 95 on Feb. 21, 2009
First round submission win over Nate Quarry at UFC 91 on Nov. 15, 2008
Third round submission win over Jason MacDonald at UFC 87 on Aug. 9, 2008
Second round submission win over Ed Herman at UFC 83 on April 19, 2008
Dan Miller (11-2):
Strengths: Miller is a good all around fighter, but his wrestling and submission skills are what have to be considered his strengths. He has yet to win a fight in his UFC career by knockout, but his constant pressure and conditioning make him a tough fighter for anyone to face.
Weaknesses: Miller’s striking would have to be his weakness, but he will need to be his strength in this fight, as he can’t expect to submit Maia, who is on another level with his submission skills. The ground, which is typically the best place for Miller, could be the worst place for him in this fight.
Last Five Fights:
Unanimous decision loss to Chael Sonnen at UFC 98 on May 23, 2009
First round submission win over Jake Rosholt at UFC Fight Night 17 on Feb. 7, 2009
Unanimous decision win over Matt Horwich at UFC 90 on Oct. 25, 2008
First round submission win over Rob Kimmons at UFC Fight Night 15 on Sept. 17, 2008
First round submission win over Ryan McGivern at IFL Connecticut on May 16, 2008
Who will win: Maia will be looking to make a statement following his loss to Marquardt. Maia has been one of the more impressive fighters in the UFC when it comes to submission fighting and you should look for him to quickly dispose of Miller. Look for a Maia win by choke in the first round.
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Posted: 2/6/10 2:00PM ET