UFC 211: Jorge Masvidal Shuts Maia’s Submission Game Down, Loses Split Decision

On Saturday, the UFC hosted one of its biggest events of the year as UFC 211 took place at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

Two titles are set to be defended in the lone star state as UFC Heavyweight Champion Stipe Miocic fights former champion Junior dos Santos and UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk fights Jessica Andrade.

UFC 211 featured a pivotal fight in the welterweight division as Demian Maia fought Jorge Masvidal. The winner of this fight is likely to be next to fight UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley.

Masvidal refused to touch gloves at the start of the fight. Maia shot for a takedown and managed to briefly get Masvidal to the ground. Masvidal fought hard and managed to stay on his feet for as long as he could. Maia eventually got Masvidal’s back. Masvidal got to his feet, but Maia kept his back and remained in a backpack position. Maia worked for a rear-naked choke, but Masvidal fought the submission and got Maia off of him. Masvidal finished the round with landing quick strikes on the ground.

Masvidal continued to throw strikes to continue the second round. Maia went for a takedown but was not successful. Masvidal stopped another takedown and began throwing lethal leg kicks. Maia then began to start pulling Masvidal into his guard, but Masvidal blocked that as well. Maia eventually got Masvidal on his back. Masvidal worked his way to his feet but struggled to get Maia off of his back. Maia got Masvidal back to the ground and once again began working for a rear-naked choke. The round ended with Masvidal defending against the submission.

Masvidal started the final round by landing powerful kicks to the head, leg, and body. Maia was defensive for the first half of the round, while Masvidal picked his shots. Maia eventually got the fight back to the ground. He quickly went for Masvidal’s back. Maia then went for a choke but Masvidal escaped. Maia secured his back again and continued to try and finish his opponent for the rest of the fight.

Official Result:

Demian Maia def. Jorge Masvidal via split decision