Official MMA Thread

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

UFC middleweight contender Vitor Belfort has already undergone successful shoulder surgery and is expected to be out of training for at least four months, a source told MMA Fighting.

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It's official.

Demian Maia has been tapped as Vitor Belfort's replacement for the UFC middleweight title fight against Anderson Silva at UFC 112 from the Concert Arena from Ferrari World, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on Saturday, April 10.

MMAmania.com (www.mmamania.com) confirmed the news with a source close to the situation earlier today

I love it, can't wait. I think its funny when I hear people compare demian maia to thales leites, those people are in for a suprise.

[ActionAndy]

Maia's striking looked pitiful in his last fight. I just don't see how he can get close enough to pull guard. Someone with a Sonnen-type gameplan could feasibly take a decision against Silva but that fight's quite a ways away...

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by ActionAndy

Someone with a Sonnen-type gameplan could feasibly take a decision against Silva but that fight's quite a ways away...

Can't even see that right now. Anderson is just as dangerous from his back as he is anywhere. I don't give Maia much of a chance but I hope he can make it a good fight nonetheless.

BTW, UFC 110 prelims will not air on Spike this time.

Originally Posted by ActionAndy

Maia's striking looked pitiful in his last fight. I just don't see how he can get close enough to pull guard. Someone with a Sonnen-type gameplan could feasibly take a decision against Silva but that fight's quite a ways away...

I don't see him pulling guard in most situations , he's better than that.

[yachties23]

Originally Posted by Steelergar

I love it, can't wait. I think its funny when I hear people compare demian maia to thales leites, those people are in for a suprise.

I don't think its a question whos Jits is better, but Thales has far superior stand-up to Maia. I am a big Maia fan, he is a very easy guy to root foor. But lets face it, He isn't going to get close enough to Anderson to take him down without taking serious damage. If there is any question watch the 40 second debacle of his against Nate.

I think the only way Anderson loses is to a wrestler who can manage a take down, and ground and pound out a win.