Demian Maia backed up his calls for a welterweight title shot with an early submission victory over Carlos Condit in the main event of UFC Fight Night at Rogers Arena on Saturday night.
Ranked third in the division, Maia said this week that with a victory over Condit, he should be in line for a fight for the title now held by Tyron Woodley.
And, at 38 years of age, Maia may get his wish later in the year after forcing Condit to tap out at 3:08 of the opening round.
Maia made quick work of the fight, submitting Condit with a rear-naked choke at 1:52 in the first round.
He then broke down in tears in the middle of the octagon when it was over. "I'm very grateful for everything I've accomplished in my life and very grateful for my family," said Maia, who has won six straight fights.
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"My life is complete already. The title shot, that will be something else, something amazing if it happens."
Saturday's fight may have been the last for Condit. There has been speculation about Condit's future in the UFC, and he strongly suggested following his loss to Maia that his days as a fighter could be over.
The Vancouver card also saw the return to the octagon of Paige VanZant.
VanZant showed even better footwork than she did on Dancing With the Stars, the American landing a brutal roundhouse head kick to drop Australia's Bec Rawlings in the second round before landing several punches to win by TKO. Anthony Pettis also submitted Charles Oliveira in the third round in their featherweight bout.
Pettis, who flirted with a knockout win in the first round, was able to roll Oliveira into a guillotine choke, forcing his opponent to end the fight at 3:11 of the third round.
