Maia explains how he only got hit 13 times in four fights

At UFC on FOX 21 main event, UFC welterweight Demian Maia defeated noted striker Carlos Condit while taking one significant strike. It was only the 13th time he has been hit in four fights. By contrast in the co-main, Anthony Pettis got his 41 times significantly, and he won.

In a post fight interview with Megan Olivi, Maia explained how he does it.

This was a performance that shows the discipline of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, said Maia, as transcribed by BJJEE. It’s not just about control, but also defense. It helps me avoid the big shots I know Carlos is capable of. I have a lot of respect for him and he very well could’ve been champion as his fight with [then champion Robbie] Lawler was extremely close. I knew I had the choke in tight but with MMA gloves, you always have the opportunity to escape. I didn’t think it was over until I felt him tap.

Jiu-jitsu is my origin, so I will always look for the submission and to control the fight. In this martial art we love so much, we look to tap our opponent out, not hurt him with strikes. Of course I’m there to win, but this mentality is completely intertwined with me. I will hardly try to hurt my adversary rather than submit him. That’s a part of jiu-jitsu and that’s why it’s the best martial art in the world. As an athlete, I must improve that.

I want to show jiu-jitsu to the world,” Maia said to Joe Rogan last year. “And show to the people that you can win the fight without hurting your opponent.

At a moment when the world is waking up to the dangers of concussion, Maia’s sentiments are all the more important. The fighter is sometimes criticized as boring, but the simple fact is that those critics are boring, and need to learn to appreciate spectacular Jiu-Jitsu. We’d all be better for it.