“Do you know somebody who likes to be punched in the face? I think nobody likes being punched in the face — not even boxers or kickboxers. But just as people say that about jiu-jitsu fighters, we can also say that about boxers and kickboxers who just train striking; after the first takedown they become nothing on the ground. Nobody is comfortable being punched in the face. But getting used to that in a fight, it took me like a year and a half of training standup to get to that point, to not blink when you get punched.”

“I really believe that martial arts and competing at a higher level is something spiritual. You learn about yourself every day. It’s hard to explain in English. It’s not just fighting, it’s something much deeper. Every time I go to fight it’s a big challenge and this helps me to control myself and overcome my fears. It’s very special and brings you nearer to something spiritual. You become a better person… Fighting for me is a chess game. I’m not angry with my opponent. I just want to go in there and win without him hurting me or me hurting him.”

Former middleweight title challenger, Demian Maia takes to UFC.com to explain his side of the fight game.

Spiritual growth through one on one competition is apart of his daily philosophies. Can anyone share a similar outlook?

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