Jon Fitch vs Demian Maia

by Dr. Octagon, J.D.

This fight pits a stifling wrestler against BJJ expert. Demian Maia has looked great since cutting down to welterweight. This is a great matchup for Maia, who has trouble against strikers. Live updates after the jump:[[MORE]]

Round 1- Demian shoots immediately and is on top of John Fitch and has his back.  Fitch is widely held to be unstrangleable.  Fitch is standing with Maia on his back with a body triangle softening him up with punches and going for the choke.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone just hang out on a guy’s back for two full minutes.  This has to be tiring.  Fitch has a hold on Maia’s arm and gets him off his back.  Maia is back on Fitch’s back and Fitch stands back up.  Fitch is grabbing the cage.  That’s illegal.  Maia is outfitching Ftch right now, just grabbing his back and refusing to let go.  Maia landing shots from the back position.  fitch grabs the cage again.  Can’t really see what is going on here, but it looks like Maia is still going for the choke.  Maia landing punches to the body from the back.

Round 2- Fitch lands a leg kick.  Left by Maia.  Right by fitch.  Maia shoots a single and has Fitch on his back.  Fitch pushes him off and gets back up.  Maia drags Fitch to the ground and is on his back again looking for the choke.  Demian has the same crank he put on Rick Story and Fitch pulls the arm off.  Fitch is trying to punch Maia, but it’s not doing a lot of good.  Fitch is trying to turn around on the cage, but Demian has him really tight.  Round ends.

10-9 Maia.  Fitch needs the finish.  His corner says he needs a knockout.

Round 3- Fitch kicks , Maia gets his back and is looking for the takedown.  Fitch stuffs it, but has his back against the cage.  Demian is on his back, but Fitch is able to work to the feet.  Maia shoots again.  Fitch stuffs it.  Fitch has his neck and is on top, but Maia is holding on to him.  Fitch is on top, but he is really tired.  Maia is able to stand up and is on Fitch’s back again with two minutes left.  Maia is looking for the trip, but Fitch gets separation.  Maia shoots again and gets another takedown.  Ends the round on Fitch’s back again.