Demian Maia: Striker?

Demian Maia made a successful return to the octagon in UFC 109. Maia was the favorite and his win not that shocking. However what was surprising was how Maia won. Unlike his other submission victories in the UFC this fight he won by unanimous decision. Even more interesting was the fact that he choose to keep the fight on the feet for the first two rounds. As Maia explained in his post fight interview he wanted to stand and trade during the first two rounds. Maia stood and traded with Miller and enjoyed enough success to win a decision. Maia got blasted in a quick KO in his last fight and many expected Maia to be gun-shy and try and keep the fight on the mat. But Maia wanted to show the fans his striking was in fact improving and he is becoming a more well rounded fighter. While the fight itself was not a barnburner, it did show that Maia is improving on his striking and could be a force to reckon with at 185 after all