Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu master Demian Maia began his life in the martial arts studying the disciplines of Judo, Kung Fu and Karate. He was introduced to BJJ at the age of nineteen and would go on to become one of the world’s greatest ground experts, garnering fame by winning titles in most of the world’s premier grappling and sport Jiu-Jitsu events.

Unlike some Jiu-Jitsu wizards who have failed to cross over into mainstream MMA, Maia’s transition to mixed martial arts was an unparalleled success. After running his record to a quick 6-0 in local promotions, not only did Maia gain entrance into the world’s premier MMA promotion, the Ultimate Fighting Championship, but he continued to reel off wins against many of the promotion’s high profile names, including Nate Quarry, Ed Herman and Chael Sonnen, finishing all of them on the ground.

After Maia’s win over Sonnen in February 2009 he stood at 5-0 in the Octagon, with all five wins by choke. Maia was hailed as the greatest functional grappler in modern day MMA. While he boasted some basic striking proficiency, it was clear the lynchpin of Maia's game was his submission prowess. Maia fought with a pure, old-school BJJ many thought no longer existed in the UFC, electing on some occasions to pull guard against excellent wrestlers and then successfully sweep them. His wins were elegant and beautiful and, in modern day MMA, increasingly unusual in their style.

Maia stumbled thereafter against two of the world’s best middleweights, Nate Marquardt and 185 lb. champion Anderson "The Spider" Silva. Marquardt finished Maia early with a crushing one punch blow, whereas Silva took a lackluster decision from him in a highly criticized fight at Abu Dhabi that Maia did his best to make competitive. While Maia showed the best boxing of his career in his fight against Dan Miller, it remains to be seen whether his ground-oriented style will continue to pay dividends as he fights the very best in the world.