UFC 131 Results: Mark Munoz Edges Demian Maia

In a back-and-forth affair, Mark Munoz barely edged Demian Maia on Saturday at UFC 131, winning the fight by unanimous decision.

Maia wobbled Munoz very early but Maia seemed as confused by it as everyone else and couldn't capitalize. Maia showing some improved standup and is tagging Munoz over and over. Maia completely controlling the pace of the fight. Both men throw some wild punches near the end of the round and Munoz dives in for a takedown he doesn't get. Fast-paced round.

Munoz lands a heavy shot that makes Maia turn his back to start the round. Maia grabs on for a single but Munoz defends and lays in super heavy shots to the thigh and body. Maia tries to pull guard but Munoz defends that and they both stand. Munoz lands another good shot but as Maia shoots in, he inexplicably goes for a D'Arce and gives up top position. Maia looked to take his back but Munoz defends well and they stand again. Maia again looking to pull guard via a shot. He gets it but gives it up. They spend some time on the ground but nothing at all comes of it and they are stood up and the round ends.

The two hug to start the third round. Somewhere, Jonathan Snowden is shaking his head. Munoz goes for a takedown and Maia ends up on his back. Maia looking for a crucifix. He tries to crank it but Munoz escapes. Now they stand and clinch against the cage. After a long period of inactivity, they are broken up with 1:35 remaining. Munoz drops down and throws Maia to the canvas. Munoz looks for a big shot but Maia mostly avoids it and gets back up. Back to clinching against the cage with 50 seconds left. Tough round to score.

The judges score the bout 29-28x2 and 30-27 all for the winner by unanimous decision, Mark Munoz.

Coming into the bout, both fighters had won their last two fights with Maia knocking off both Mario Miranda and Kendall Grove by decision and Munoz besting Aaron Simpson by decision and C.B. Dollaway by knockout.