Demian Maia earns Tyron Woodley date with Masvidal decision:

Demian Maia to face Tyron Woodley for Welterweight crown.

Huge title implications await the winner of this Welterweight eliminator as the victor between grappler Demian Maia and striker Jorge Masvidal, will face reigning champion Tyron Woodley per UFC President Dana White. The greatest grappler to ever step foot in mixed martial arts, Brazil's Demian Maia presents arguably the most difficult path to UFC gold for 'Gamebred' Masvidal, but anything can happen. Maia is overdue a second UFC title opportunity, and a win over Jorge will finally award his that. Maia completely outclassed Carlos Condit last time out, with Jorge Masvidal finished 'Cowboy' Cerrone in comprehensive style in Denver in his most previous outing. What a matchup!

The first of three rounds seen an early takedown defence for Masvidal, but Maia hung onto the leg of the former Lightweight, but was immediately taken to the mat, before securing a standing body triangle, as he looked to set up a rear-naked choke victory. Masvidal was so far defending expertly, but was still carrying the weight of the Brazilian. Jorge executed a phenomenal reversal and dropped Maia from his back, and tagged Demian repeatedly. Excellent heart from Jorge who was exhausted on his stool.

The second round began with a stoppage as some loose tape wasn't cut from Masvidal's glove. Wonderful stuff from Masvidal seen a unsuccessful takedown attempt from Maia. Masvidal was lighting up the leg of Maia, as Maia shot over and over. Masvidal attempted a limp Anaconda choke, which Maia escaped with ease. Maia was looking to take the back of Jorge once more looked to survive. Masvidal once again survived as he dominated wrist control preventing that RNC.

The third and final round began with a blocked high kick from Jorge, and then a damaging inside leg kick against the knee of Maia. A solid kick to the body of Maia punished the Brazilian, as he threw Masvidal to the mat with a single leg transition. Masvidal once more so far defended the rear-naked choke successfully as the buzzer sounded for the end of the bout. It goes the distance, as the judges are left with a incredibly difficult decision to resolve. Masvidal landed considerably more strikes while Maia landed takedowns throughout. Demian Maia claims the split decision as Tyron Woodley awaits.

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