Maia squeaked out a razor-thin split decision over Jorge Masvidal, but is it enough to finally earn a shot at the title?
Jorge Masvidal knew his bout against the dominant-as-of-late Maia would be a defining moment in his career. Masvidal came in on a 3-fight win streak over some of the UFC's top fighters: Donald Cerrone, Jake Ellenberger, and Ross Pearson. Maia has been on a hot streak of his own since May of 2014: 6 wins, 3 submissions by rear-naked choke, 2 fight of the night performances, with victories over top tier talent such as Carlos Condit, Matt Brown, and Gunnar Nelson.
Maia's victorious split decision over Masvidal really could have went either way, and anytime a fight goes to the judges, you never know what the perception may be. The rounds seemed literally split with Masvidal giving Maia some fits and great moments standing, and half the rounds with Maia gaining dominant control and threatening submissions on the ground. The first round alone showed Maia on Masvidal's back as he leaned against the cage, with the body lock, and constant threats of the rear naked choke. To Masvidal's credit, he defended well, and walked Maia right into arm control that led to the round ending with Masvidal on top raining down heavy shots. Rounds 2 and 3, seemed much more evenly paced and split between the two fighters, so the dominance of round 1 on the back may have been what secured this victory for the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt.
Score cards from the judges
Maia offers the best possible challenge to Tyron Woodley's belt
With his 7th straight win after defeating Masvidal at UFC 211, Maia may finally be posed to meet UFC Welterweight Champ Tyron Woodley. Woodley is coming off back back to back fights with superstar up and comer Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson. The second fight sealed the decision victory for Woodley, after the crazy first matchup ended in a draw. Those are Woodley's only two title defenses since beating former champ Robbie Lawler for the belt. Lawler's next fight is against Donald Cerrone in July, so he may not be guaranteed a title shot against Woodley with only one victory while Maia is on a 3 year, 7 fight win streak.
Dana White promised a title shot to the winner of Maia - Masvidal
Dana White guaranteed on the Fox Sports 1 pre-fight show that the winner would get a title shot. However, nothing seems set in stone lately, and change can happen at any moment. Just a few weeks ago we though GSP was going to be challenging Bisping for the Middleweight title, and that Jon Jones would not immediately fight coming off of his suspension. Dana has a knack for saying and setting up things one moment and going the total opposite direction the next. Hopefully this does not hold true for Maia, as he is clearly the #1 contender in the Welterweight division, and the stylistic matchup between he and Woodley would be a great fight. Let's hope Dana and the UFC see the value here, because the last thing fans want is another stall-out from Woodley against great strikers that threaten his belt. Maia will bring it to the champ, and Woodley will be waiting.