Demian Maia on potential title shot: “I don’t have to act like a clown to get it”

Former UFC middleweight title challenger Demian Maia (22-6 MMA) is currently riding an impressive four-fight winning streak inside the UFC’s welterweight division.

The 38-year-old is coming off a unanimous decision win over Gunnar Nelson which occurred at December’s UFC 194 event in Las Vegas.

Prior to that, Maia submitted surging contender Neil Magny in the second-round of their fight at August’s UFC 190 event in Brazil.

Demian Maia will square off with fellow welterweight contender Matt Brown at UFC 198 on May 14 in Curitiba, Brazil.

Maia spoke about the possibility of receiving another title shot during the UFC 198 press conference, where he stated that his “win streak” should earn him the right to fight for the title and that he shouldn’t have to act like a “clown” to get it. His words (transcribed by BloodyElbow):

“I believe middleweight and welterweight are two of the toughest divisions out there, but it’s too convoluted now,” Maia said. “There’s too many people with a real chance of getting the next shot. But I’m about to reach five wins in a row and eight altogether since I dropped to 170. I’m tied with Anderson Silva with 16 UFC wins, so I don’t have to talk and ask for the belt. I don’t have to act like a clown. I earned this title shot!”

Do you believe that a win over Matt Brown at May’s UFC 198 event should earn Demian Maia the right to fight for the UFC’s welterweight title later this year? Sound off PENN Nation!