Demian Maian (photo via YouTube)

By FCF Staff

After incurring his second straight defeat at UFC 263, Demian Maia hasn’t officially announced his retirement. But, Dana White believes the storied grappler’s career is likely done.

Maia took on Belal Muhammad on Saturday night, and was unable to put his renowned top game to work. Muhammad won the fight via unanimous decision.

For months now, Maia has said his career is winding down, but the longtime contender hasn’t committed to a retirement date. Following UFC 263, however, White had this to say about the highly regarded fighter (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“I think that was his last fight (with the UFC),” the UFC President said. “It was the last fight on his deal. He’s 44 years old. He’s been so good at getting in there, securing the takedown, getting on top of people, and just strangling them or grabbing something or twisting it until you quit. He couldn’t get it done tonight. He’s 44 years old. He’s a great guy. He’s had a great career. Yes, I would say that’s probably it.”

Maia (28-11), who was coming off a stoppage loss to Gilbert Burns in March, 2020, has gone 3-2 in his last five bouts. The only other fighters to defeat Maia since 2014 are Kamaru Usman, Colby Covington and Tyron Woodley.