Demian Maia is coming off of an excellent 2015 campaign. The former middleweight turned welterweight won three in a row, most recently culminating in a dominant victory over fellow grappling ace Gunnar Nelson in December.
That brings his welterweight record to 7-2 with four consecutive victories to add heft to his resume. That also brings his ranking to fifth in the division.
For the Brazilian, now 38 years of age, time is not on his side, but he told the media at UFC 195 he's ready and deserving of a title shot against UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler.