Demian maia is back but it’s not for an MMA bout.
BJJ Stars on Tuesday announced that two-time UFC champion challenger Alex Oliveira will be making his return to Sao Paulo on April 30.. Multiple sources familiar with the plans of the promotion told MMA Fighting that Alex Oliveira, UFC welterweight, will be the opponent.
Maia vs. Oliveira will be contested in a 10-minute submission match under ADCC rules, MMA Fighting has learned.
Maia, a 44-year-old MMA veteran, parted ways with the UFC in 2021 after completing his contract with back-to-back defeats in fights against Gilbert Burns and Belal Muhammad. He hasn’t competed under jiu-jitsu or grappling rules since 2007, when he won the 88kg division of the ADCC in Trenton, NJ.
Maia has submitted a number of outstanding fighters in MMA over the course of her stellar career. She tapped Chael Sonnen and Carlos Condit as well as Ben Askren, Neil Magny, Matt Brown, Ben Askren, Matt Brown and Ben Askren. Maia defeated “Jacare” Souza, Gabriel Gonzaga and Rafael Lovato Jr. in jiu jitsu.
Oliveira, who is 22-12-1-2 as a MMA fighter, lost his past four under the UFC banner since 2020, including submissions to Randy Brown and Shavkat Rakhmonov. In his most recent appearance, “Cowboy” was stopped by Kevin Holland.
Oliveira has a few submissions on his MMA resume. These include chokes over Carlos Condit and Tim Means, as well as K.J. Noons.
BJJ Stars 8 features an eight-man midweight grand prix featuring Leandro Lo and Isaque Bahiense as well as Leonardo Lara, Mica Galvao. Leonardo Lara is also present. Pedro Machado has Roberto Jimenez and Lucas Hulk.
