Demian Maia

Demian Maia is widely regarded as one of the greatest grapplers in MMA history, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu wizard who turned the ground game into an art form. He challenged for UFC titles at both middleweight and welterweight, building a career on some of the slickest, most dominant grappling the sport has ever seen.

When his striking couldn't keep pace with the division's best, Maia leaned all the way into his jiu-jitsu - and it worked. He out-grappled and submitted a long line of top fighters, including elite wrestler Ben Askren, with relentless takedowns and back control that few could escape. His winning streaks were masterclasses in imposing a specialty against the world's best.

For newcomers, Maia is the ultimate demonstration of how powerful pure jiu-jitsu can be at the highest level. He retired as a deeply respected craftsman, the kind of fighter whose technique is studied long after the wins and losses are forgotten.