UFC 214: Is This the Last Chance for Demian Maia?

(SPONSORED CONTENT) -- Amidst a chaotic summer that’s been dominated by McGregor-Mayweather and Jones-Cormier, it’s almost gone unnoticed that Tyron Woodley is about to defend his coveted welterweight title against Demian Maia. It’s a great bout that boasts a complete contrast of styles but also has the makings of a potential rebirth for a contender who didn’t exactly amaze in his last championship match.

Fight fans likely don’t want to remember that Damian Maia was part of one of the most embarrassing title fights in the history of the UFC when he combatted Anderson Silva at UFC 112 in Abu Dhabi. Maia never wanted to engage Silva, who was at the top of his game and also didn’t seem intent on putting forth a performance worthy of a champion.

Times have changes drastically for Maia in recent years. He’s slammed together one of the most impressive winning streaks in recent years, with seven victories in his last seven bouts. It’s easy to suggest that Maia is a completely different fighter these days, but that also comes with the admission that he’s 39 years of age.

Tyron Woodley vs. Damian Maia

Saturday, July 29th – Honda Center, Anaheim

BetOnline.ag Fight Line: Woodley -180 / Maia +155

I’m not entirely sure what the consensus on Tyron Woodley actually is. Since migrating to the UFC from Strikeforce over five years ago, he’s lost split decisions, won split decisions, fought to a draw and never submitted a single person. Somewhere in the middle of that he became the welterweight champion despite Wonderboy seeming like the heir apparent to one of the UFC’s most treasured weight classes.

Woodley’s biggest trait is his world-class knockout power, but he hasn’t really demonstrated a whole lot more. He probably doesn’t need to considering his style. The guy fights like a whirlwind made up of clenched fists.

It’s easy to assume that Woodley is the better pick here because his UFC odds are so much stronger, younger and shorter than Maia. That last one might not seem like an advantage, but Woodley’s stature makes him difficult to takedown. He may not be the greatest grappler on the planet but he doesn’t need to be. He stuffs takedowns like a turkey and sets up his power game nicely.

What can you really predict about a fight that features a 39-year-old who is essentially entering what will inevitably be the last opportunity he has to become a champion?

Maia overreaching in this one simply seems like the obvious outcome, and that is not a plan that suits both his style and this specific matchup. Woodley’s odds on BetOnline.ag are in a perfect spot to make a buck on. If you’re a Maia believer, this could be your last opportunity to stand by him in a title fight so a flier play isn’t unwarranted.

But the smart money is on Woodley retaining via knockout. Woodley needs one after those two Thompson bouts.

UFC 214 Free Pick – Woodley -180