UFC Fight Night: Lee Vs. Oliveria Main Card Preview And Predections

2. Demian Maia (28-9) Vs. Gilbert Burns (17-3)

After consecutive losses to Colby Covington and Kamaru Usman a couple of years back, some thought it was the beginning of the end for Demian Maia. However, those losses have aged incredibly well and the 42-year-old Brazilian was won three in a row since.

His opponent, Gilbert Burns is also on a winning streak and has emerged the victor over the course of his last four contests. A win over Maia would immediately put the 33-year-old on fringes of title contention in what is arguably the UFC's most competitive division at the moment.

Both men are extremely accomplished grapplers Burns is a three-time Jiu-Jitsu World Champion. Maia also has a phenomenal Jiu-Jitsu resume which includes a gold medal win at the ADCC World Championships in 2007.

As for striking, Burns would appear to have the power advantage, while Maia is arguably the more technical of the two.

Maia is great at using his striking to close the distance and secure takedowns. Moreover, he was also shown the ability to dominate other world-class grapplers, like Gunnar Nelson in the past.

He probably won't be able to submit Burns, but Maia should be able to get his opponent to the mat and control him on the ground long enough to secure a decision victory. Still, Burns is the younger, more powerful fighter and if age has finally caught up with Maia, a Burns win via knockout is a real possibility here.

The Pick: Demian Maia via unanimous decision.