Tyron Woodley defends Welterweight crown in relatively unmemorable Maia matchup:

Tyron Woodley expects November date with GSP.

The second title fight of UFC 214, also serves as the event's co-headliner, as Welterweight champion Tyron Woodley faces arguably the greatest grappler in MMA history, as he takes on Brazil's Demian Maia. Woodley, an incredible knockout machine and athlete for the ages, must force Maia to fight on the outside and land a similar shot that ended Robbie Lawler's night, but most importantly retain his gas tank for the possibility of later rounds against Demian Maia. Sao Paulo favourite Maia is currently riding an incredibly dominant 7 fight win streak as he walks to meet Woodley, and must shoot for takedowns or clinches whenever they present themselves in order to utilise his far superior Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The longer this fight goes on, the more it benefits and plays into the hands of Maia, as Woodley will become more susceptible to takedowns, due to his lack of cardio and conditioning as the fight rolls on.

Herb Dean was the third man in the octagon for this hotly awaited striker versus grappler matchup, as first of five scheduled rounds got started. Woodley already was forced into two significant takedown defences by the cage, as a cut over the eye of Maia began to pour claret. Herb Dean warned Woodley of a fence grab as Maia shot for another single leg, before Maia landed a powerful straight left of his own. Woodley was feinting quite similarly to how he manoeuvred against Robbie Lawler, forcing Maia to be cautious as he searched for his first takedown. Patient and cautious finish to the round for both men, as Woodley began to show Demian that powerful right hand.

Woodley entered the second round much more active than in the first, with a big right hand tagging Maia, sending him to the canvas, before Woodley called him back to his feet. Another right hand rattled the cage of Demian Maia who clearly wanted striking exchanges, which would only produce one winner. Another round in the books, and more than likely two rounds for Woodley, who was yet to be taken down.

The doctor entered the octagon to check the eye of Maia, and confirmed that the Brazilian could continue, as he immediately shot for a single at the beginning of the third. Very limited offence from the tentative pair and understandably so, as one falter from either could spell the end of their night. The fans were noticeably audible in their frustration in the lack of action heading into the fourth round.

The penultimate round seen Woodley land glacing body shots on a cautious Maia. Woodley had so far stuffed 14 takedown attempts from Demian Maia, who's closest attempt once more seen Tyron grab hold of the fence. Maia seemed considerably frustrated in his corner at the fourth round interval, as he needed atleast one takedown to give the judges something to think about.

Our fifth and final round again showed the immaculate balance and takedown defence from Woodley who was comfortable for the majority of this contest. Another cautious round sprang the chants of ''boring'' from the surrounding fans, as Woodley completely shutdown the BJJ and wrestling game of Demian Maia, on route to what should be a comfortable decision victory for 'The Chosen One'. Headinfg to the judges score cards, a unanimous decision victory was handed to Woodley as the St. Louis native made his third successful title defence.

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