Maia sees Condit fight as step toward UFC title shot

UFC President Dana White said recently that No. 2-ranked Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson is next in line for the title, so Maia and Condit are likely fighting to face the victor of Tyron Woodley vs. Wonderboy.

The 38-year-old Brazilian has certainly earned his spot, and while he’s been progressively more impressive during his recent streak, he took it to a new level in Canada, and in the process tied Matt Hughes and Donald Cerrone for the third most wins in UFC history with 18. According to Fightmetric, he has absorbed just 13 total strikes in his last four fights combined.

The co-main event features former lightweight champion Anthony Pettis making his featherweight debut against Charles Oliveira. “To beat a guy who’s on a run like Maia has been on, would get me the shot”. After the win, Maia said he wants to wait for the victor of the reportedly upcoming Tyron Woodley vs. Stephen Thompson title fight. That’s what Robbie Lawler did. Maia went for an early takedown and secured it. Maia slowly transitioned to get Condit’s back. It is only the second submission loss of Oliveira’s eight-year professional career.

“I think Pettis is coming down in weight because he wants to fly higher and wants to take a different approach to his career”, Oliveira said through a translator.

“I knew he would continue to try and take my back so I just needed to be calm and then reverse whenever the opportunity presented itself”.

One of the top strawweight fighters in the world, Paige VanZant, used a flying switch kick to win a TKO over Bec Rawlings.

VanZant, 22, sat out the first half of 2016 to appear on “Dancing With the Stars”, but looked comfortable in her return fight. Miller won that fight by unanimous decision. “I’m in a place where my back’s against the wall and it’s my time to shine”.

Following this latest win where he submitted Condit at just 1:52 into the first round, Maia said it’s finally time for him to compete for the welterweight title and it would be hard to argue against his logic.

The main card opened with a lightweight fight between UFC veterans Jim Miller and Joe Lauzon.