Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Demian Maia kicked off the main card at UFC 153 in Rio de Janeiro with a submission victory against Rick Story.

Maia quickly utilised his grappling skills to earn a dominant position over Story, and made sure there was no escape with a series of seamless transitions.

Story fought bravely was but was forced to tap after two minutes of the first round when Maia piled on the pressure with a rear naked choke to squeeze the life out of his opponent.

A second-straight win in the UFC welterweight division improves the former world title challenger's record Maia's record to 17 wins and four defeats.

Maia is also in prime position to pick up a five-figure bonus cheque for the submission of the night award, a prize handed out by UFC president Dana White at the post-fight press conference.