Demian Maia in a previous bout. Carlos Arthur Jr.
In the clash of styles that was the main event of UFC Singapore, held last Saturday, BJJ came out on top. Demian Maia, representing our gentle art, faced the Olympic wrestler Ben Askren, and the confidence in his technique gave the Brazilian the win.
Askren was doing better in the fight, with three rounds of standup dominance, takedowns at the end and skillful defense on the ground — all of which seemed to be tiring Maia. A variety of attacks by the Brazilian — triangle, kimura, omoplata — were refuted by the American.
But in round three, Askren got ahead of himself and paid the price. Instead of taking Maia to the ground late in the round, this time he did it earlier, giving the black-belt more time to use his jiu-jitsu. Upon being taken down with a single-leg, Maia attacked with a heel hook and came up to sweep. On top, he passed and mounted, forcing Askren to offer his back with one whole minute left. Now Maia just had to work from the back until the space appeared for him to choke his opponent.
Check out the latest manifestation of Maia’s technique right here:
