Did Damian Maia Just Lose His Title Shot To GSP?
After his latest victory, I posed the question did Maia just secure a shot at the Welterweight title.
MMA news sites are reporting that GSP will now receive a title shot at Welterweight upon his return later this year. I used Dana White and new UFC ownership's ability to make huge changes on the fly as fair reasoning for this question. We knew GSP was out of the Middleweight title fight with Michael Bisping.
We immediately saw current Welterweight champ Tyron Woodley demanding $1 Million to face Maia in Brazil for the title. Don't be surprised, now that GSP's name is in the mix, if Woodley does everything possible to avoid a Maia title shot.
Maia is a horrible matchup for Woodley. Not only is he active, he's on a huge winning streak. Unlike Wonderboy, he will take the fight to Woodley. GSP on the other hand has been inactive and will likely have ring rust. The UFC would rather have the larger PPV numbers from GSP than Maia will bring.
Was I right or was I right? What say you?
I really want to see Conor McGregor get his ass whooped by Floyd Mayweather. But regarding this post it would make for an interesting fight either way. I would like to see GSP and Woodley. GSP is a better striker and better at grappling. So will his absence make him fresh or unprepared? I would put my money that GSP finishes in 3rd or 4th round. I believe Woodley would struggle.
Personally I think woodley is a bad matchup for Maia, I think Woodley can overpower Maia, keep him away and sooner or later knock him out, at this point they just have to give Maia the shot but with UFC these days who knows what will happen.
I think Woodley has the tools to knock Maia out. That's a real possibility. I think that Maia's slickness and trickiness will out-perform Woodley's grappling. Maybe we will see... or maybe we won't if GSP gets the shot first.
This is a fight im looking forward to see, and I hope so much for Maias sake that he gets the titleshoot that he so well deserves, he is getting up there in age so wish him the chance to get the shoot ASAP and it would be awesome to see him get the belt before he retires, crazy sport where nothing is for granted, especially lately.
I agree. I want the McGregor-Mayweather fight also. However, I think Woodley will beat GSP by TKO in the second or third round. I think if Maia can avoid Woodley's power he submits Woodley in the second or third round. I think GSP doesn't need a title fight immediately coming back. It devalues the title and rankings. It also shows UFC's awareness that it may be one and done fight if GSP loses so they want to capitalize with a title fight draw for PPV numbers. Smart business, but horrible for active fighters working towards that shot.
Yea, the decision will come based on ratings. How many viewers will show up and how much money will the UFC earn. That'll be the data Dana White will use to make the decision.
Unfortunately.