Demian Maia & Gunnar Nelson Booked for UFC 194

Fans of elite grappling in mixed martial arts rejoice.

In a match that is certain to please followers of MMA that appreciate a strong Brazilian jiu-jitsu clash, Demian Maia will tangle with Gunnar Nelson in a welterweight contest at UFC 194 in Las Vegas on Dec. 12. The event goes down at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Ultimate Fighting Championship representatives made the duel official Friday morning with an announcement on its UFC Europe Twitter hub.

Related » UFC 194 Fight Card

With 10 career submissions under his belt, Maia (21-6) has long been considered one of the game’s strongest grapplers. The 37-year-old Brazilian last saw action in a second-round submission of Neil Magny at UFC 190. The rear-naked choke finish put an end to Magny’s seven-fight win streak.

Nelson (14-1) also has 10 career submissions, but only in 15 professional bouts. The 27-year old Iceland-born BJJ black belt is 5-1 in the UFC, and has made four of those opponents cry uncle in the Octagon. The last victim, Brandon Thatch, met his demise on July 11 via rear-naked choke.

UFC 194 will be headlined by a featherweight title unification bout as champion Jose Aldo will lock horns with interim ace Conor McGregor.