This past Saturday, Demian Maia took on Gilbert Burns and despite the welterweight coming in on a solid three-fight winning streak, the 42-year-old ended up losing the contest via TKO.
The fight wasn’t a simple one-sided affair as Maia had his moments to shine within the bout; however, the Brazil native got clipped in the first round and the referee stopped the fight after Burns mounted him with several punches.
Many believe that the referee stepped in too soon, including the welterweight himself. On the post-fight show, Maia stated that he “felt ok” and thought he “could go a little bit more” (Transcript courtesy of MMA Junkie):
“Unfortunately, the referee stopped it. I thought I could go a little bit more, but it is what it is,” Maia said on the UFC on ESPN+ 28 post-fight show. “I feel I was OK. I felt I was OK. But you don’t know. The referee said that he thought I was out, and that’s OK – that’s the sport. I was feeling good. I was getting good in the jiu-jitsu positions, but he got me well with that hook.”
Unfortunately, Maia’s loss ultimately means that the fighter is dead set on retiring after one more fight. The former welterweight title contender considered prolonging his retirement if he defeated Burns; however, Maia confirms he’ll done for good following his next fight:
“I’ll come back to training and do one more fight – then that’s it,” Maia said. “I want to do one more, then probably retire. Tonight I was feeling pretty good. I feel I was getting my good positions, but respect. He defended well. He’s a great jiu-jitsu fighter, but he got me with the hook, and that happens. That happens in this sport with the small gloves, and that’s it. The referee didn’t help too much, but no excuse. He did well and he deserves (the victory).”