UFC Fight Night recap: Maia vs. Laflare
Damian Maia started the fight in typical fashion. He was able to get a takedown early in the first round and do what he does best. Maia passed the guard of LaFlare with and flatten his undefeated challenger. But LaFlare was able to survive a number of strikes by Maia to make it to the second round.
The second round was much the same. Maia was able to finish a take down early in the round and continue to dominate on the ground. But LaFlare did demonstrate good defense and survived another round but extorted a lot of energy.
It was in the beginning of the third round that LaFlare was able to stuff a take down by Maia. Another attempt by the Brazilian resulted in LaFlare taking top position. It wasn't long before the black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was able to reverse the position and end up on top.
In-between the third and fourth round, LaFlare's corner told him "you're a wrestler, don't let him take you down."
In the fourth round LaFlare was able to keep the fight standing. Maia circled away from LaFlare's stand up and was able to take his opponent down with easy. While in the full mount position, Miai locked in an arm triangle choke. With a minute to go before the end of the round, LaFlare gave "Big" John McCarthy the thumbs up and would survive the round.
The fifth round would be the best for LaFlare as Maia seemed to be exhausted. After a couple of stuffed takdowns, Maia would attempt to pull guard, but no doubt knowing that he was behind in the score cards, LaFlare would get back on his feet forcing Maia to stand up. It was at this point that the exhaustion of Maia was apparent. Referee John McCarthy would have to repeatedly have to instruct Maia to stand up, finally threating to take a point away. Maia would complete another takedown that took time off the clock for LaFlare. With only ten seconds to go LaFlare made it to his feet but Maia would refuse to do so quick enough for John McCarthy who would consequently take a point away from Maia.
When the judges score card was read, the point didn't seem to make enough of a difference to tip the scales in LaFlare's favor. Damian Maia would win the decision 48-46 in a unanimous decision.
The second round was much the same. Maia was able to finish a take down early in the round and continue to dominate on the ground. But LaFlare did demonstrate good defense and survived another round but extorted a lot of energy.
It was in the beginning of the third round that LaFlare was able to stuff a take down by Maia. Another attempt by the Brazilian resulted in LaFlare taking top position. It wasn't long before the black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was able to reverse the position and end up on top.
In-between the third and fourth round, LaFlare's corner told him "you're a wrestler, don't let him take you down."
In the fourth round LaFlare was able to keep the fight standing. Maia circled away from LaFlare's stand up and was able to take his opponent down with easy. While in the full mount position, Miai locked in an arm triangle choke. With a minute to go before the end of the round, LaFlare gave "Big" John McCarthy the thumbs up and would survive the round.
The fifth round would be the best for LaFlare as Maia seemed to be exhausted. After a couple of stuffed takdowns, Maia would attempt to pull guard, but no doubt knowing that he was behind in the score cards, LaFlare would get back on his feet forcing Maia to stand up. It was at this point that the exhaustion of Maia was apparent. Referee John McCarthy would have to repeatedly have to instruct Maia to stand up, finally threating to take a point away. Maia would complete another takedown that took time off the clock for LaFlare. With only ten seconds to go LaFlare made it to his feet but Maia would refuse to do so quick enough for John McCarthy who would consequently take a point away from Maia.
When the judges score card was read, the point didn't seem to make enough of a difference to tip the scales in LaFlare's favor. Damian Maia would win the decision 48-46 in a unanimous decision.
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