UFC 198 results: Demian Maia smothers Matt Brown for fifth straight win

Three times on his walk to the cage Saturday night, Matt Brown was assaulted by fans in the crowd in Curitiba, Brazil.

It didn't get much better for him once he got to the cage.

Relentless grappler Demian Maia smothered Brown for more than 15 minutes before getting the tap in the fight's closing moments. A rear-naked choke ended the bout at 4:31 of the third round.

Maia imposed his will from the outset in round one, getting Brown to the mat and keeping him there. He took Brown's back and stayed there, though the super-tough Brown was able to avoid submission.

Round two was more of the same, as Maia got him to the mat fast, kept him there, and did everything except find the opening for the finish.

Brown came out at the start of the third looking like a fighter who knew he needed a finish, but it was to know avail, as Maia was back in top control on the mat a minute in. Maia worked and worked until the opening for the finishing choke finally presented itself.

Maia (23-6) has now won five straight fights and is 8-2 since droppin to welterweight. Brown (20-14) has dropped three out of his past four.