Demian Maia A Heavy Favorite Over Dan Miller At UFC 109

Sports News - February 1st, 2010 - Written By John Ritter

UFC 109: RELENTLESS will host an exciting middleweight bout between Demian Maia and Dan Miller, at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas on Saturday, February 6th. Both are coming off losses in their last UFC fights, and will be looking to regroup, and lock down a convincing victory.

Maia was the victim of a loss by knockout in UFC 102 to Nate Marquardt. It was his first ever UFC loss, as he sports a record of 11-1 in the octagon. Prior to the loss, Maia was considered a top contender to challenge for the middleweight championship title. His match against Miller will be the first step on the road back to a title contender.

Miller lost by unanimous decision in his last fight at UFC 98 to Chael Sonnen. Miller was riding a string of nine victories that dated back to 2006, before the loss.

Miller was the recent recipient of a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu after only four years of training. This is a dangerous addition to his fighting style. He has had a long history of wrestling, with seven of his wins by submission, but this element makes him a more complete fighter. One of his biggest victories came against Jake Rosholt back in 2008 in which he won by guillotine.

Despite Miller's impressive credentials in wrestling, Maia would have the advantage if the fight were to go to the ground. Maia is a specialist at submitting his opponents. Prior to his loss against Marquardt, his previous five wins were choke-outs. It would be in Miller's best interest to keep the fight standing as long as possible.

Maia respects Miller's fighting style and knows that this fight presents quite a challenge.

"He [Miller] and Jason MacDonald are the best grapplers that I ever fought in the UFC," Maia answered when asked of his thoughts of his upcoming opponent.

On the other side of the octagon, Miller is fully aware of the capabilities that Maia possesses, and knows what it will take to come away with a victory. He views this fight not only as a stepping stone to a possible title fight, but also as a measuring stick.

"There are some black belts and jiu-jitsu guys who don’t have a good game for MMA, and I think he’s [Maia] got a great game for MMA. He works it in very well. But I need to get the win and I’m going in to get the win. I’m just gonna go in there and fight my fight and see what happens. This is my biggest test and we’ll see where I’m at."

Coming into this fight, Maia is considered a heavy favorite to defeat Miller, and move on to a potential middleweight title fight. Oddsmakers has installed Maia as a -500 to win according to the UFC Betting Lines at Bodog Sportsbook. Miller assumes the role of the underdog, with odds at +300.

The fight can be seen live on pay-per-view on Saturday, February 6th. Consult your local cable company for more details.