Demian Maia | Instagram
Demian Maia Reveals Ukrainian & Russian Roots
Source: YouTube Channel Ushatayka
Demian Maia, one of the most respected fighters in MMA history, has a unique connection to Eastern Europe. While most fans know him for his Brazilian roots and legendary grappling skills, Maia’s family history traces back to the Russian Empire, specifically the cities of Rovno and Korets, located in modern-day Ukraine. His grandparents, who witnessed monumental historical events, made the bold decision to emigrate to Brazil in 1925.
In a recent interview with Ushatayka, Maia shared poignant details about his family’s past, offering a rare insight into his background.
Demian Maia | Instagram
Survival and Escape
Maia’s grandparents, born in what was then the Russian Empire, experienced firsthand the chaos of the Russian Revolution and the aftermath of the Civil War. In 1925, fleeing the Soviet Union, they made the life-changing decision to leave their homeland.
“They were helped by a priest—either Ukrainian or Polish, I’m not sure,” Maia recalled. “They took a train from Warsaw to Amsterdam, and from there, they sailed to Brazil. The journey took about a month by sea. Imagine—leaving Russia in December, with snow everywhere, and arriving in Brazil, where it was 35 degrees Celsius. The food, the smells, everything was different. I can’t even imagine what that must have been like for her.”
Photo | UFC
Political Views and Legacy
Maia’s grandmother, with Ukrainian surname – Kirilchuk, took immense pride in her heritage. Despite living in Brazil, she maintained strong ties to her roots, celebrating Eastern European traditions. “She was very proud of her roots. She would paint Easter eggs, go to church, and make borscht. She didn’t like Stalin—she used to say, ‘He’s not even Russian!’” Maia recalled with a smile.
When asked about his grandparents’ political views, Maia explained that his grandmother had complex feelings toward the Soviet regime. While she admired Lenin, she deeply disliked Stalin. She had personal stories of the suffering brought on by the GULAG system, which left a lasting impression on her.
“She would talk about the GULAG and how they escaped the Soviet invasion. They were afraid, so they fled with the help of a priest. They crossed through many countries before reaching Brazil,” Maia shared. “She didn’t like Stalin and preferred talking about the revolution, the war, and the snow.”
Demian Maia Family | Facebook
Life in Brazil
In Brazil, where Maia’s grandparents settled, they continued to maintain their cultural identity. His grandmother, despite not knowing the local languages, made efforts to keep traditions alive in the family. Maia fondly remembers how she would make traditional Easter eggs, a practice uncommon in Brazil.
“She was always proud of her heritage,” Maia said. “She would make borscht and take me to a Slavic church in Brazil. There was a large community of Ukrainians, Russians, and Poles, and they all gathered there. She’d speak with her friends in Russian and Polish, but I couldn’t understand it at the time. She’d tell me stories about her father hunting and how they lived in winter with a large stove, where they’d sleep to stay warm.”
Demian Maia | Moscow
Reflecting on Russia: Two Visits to Moscow
Maia also spoke about his visits to Russia, highlighting the profound impact it had on him.
“I’ve been to Moscow twice, and it’s incredible. The Soviet buildings are enormous, and the beauty of the Kremlin and the old churches left a lasting impression. The architecture is massive, unlike anything we have in Brazil,” he said. “But I know Russia is much more than Moscow. I’ve heard the nature in Siberia is amazing. I want to visit one day, but it’s such a long trip from Brazil.”
Through his family’s history and his own experiences, Maia’s story is a testament to survival, cultural pride, and the complexity of identity in a world where borders and allegiances are ever-changing. His background, steeped in history and personal hardship, has undoubtedly shaped the fighter and the man he is today.
Demian Maia | X
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