Shields earns lackluster split decision over Maia in main event
The main event of the Ultimate Fight 29 in Brazil featured a welterweight battle between submission specialists Jake Shields and…
The main event of the Ultimate Fight 29 in Brazil featured a welterweight battle between submission specialists Jake Shields and Demian Maia.
If there was talk of jiu-jitsu world champion Demian Maia potentially being in line for a UFC title shot at welterweight, those discussions ended Wednesday night at UFC Fight Night 29 in Sao Paulo, Brazil as Jake Shields defeated Maia by split decision in a highly-competitive main event.
The loss is Maia’s first since dropping down from middleweight.
Within seconds of the first round beginning, Maia shot in for a takedown, which didn’t work at first, but eventually resulted in a trip takedown. Shields was able to stand, which resulted in another takedown for Maia, but that, too, wouldn’t last. In a jockeying exchange along the fence, Maia was able to take Shields’ back. Yet, Shields swung him over and ended up on top where he attempted to pass for the rest of the round without success. The American was able to land elbows as the round ended.
Jake Shields Vs. Demian Maia
Fight was scheduled for 5 rounds (5x5x5x5x5)
–Jake Shields defeated Demian Maia by Split Decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)