Kyle Maynard Knows What the Hell He's Doing When It Comes to MMA
A while back we told you that Kyle Maynard, the congenital amputee who wrestled at the University of Georgia, was planning to make his pro MMA debut at a small show in Alabama. Well, that’s happening this weekend, and not everyone is happy about it. Columnist Brad Zimanek for the Montgomery Advertiser refers to Maynard’s impending debut as “a freak show,” insisting that MMA fights are “basically no-holds barred combat” and the only people buying tickets to this thing are those who want to see “how badly Maynard gets beat up.”
Clearly, anyone who thinks Maynard's fight is a freak show needs to watch Bob Sapp fight cartoon characters and learn what a real freak show looks like. Maynard may get beat up on Saturday night. That’s a possibility, given that this is a fight he’s going into. But isn’t that his choice to make? There probably weren’t a lot of people who thought he could wrestle at the college level, but that didn’t mean college wrestling became a freak show the moment Maynard got on the mat.
The thing that’s so annoying about the people who think Maynard shouldn’t even get a chance to try MMA is that they seem to assume that he’s never trained in it before. They can’t understand how he’ll possibly deal with getting punched in the face, so they assume he hasn’t even considered that problem. Something tells me he has. The guy trains at a real MMA gym, and he knows what he’s getting himself into. Check what he told MMA Fanhouse about his striking game for Saturday night:
“You know, without going into too much of my game plan, I am never going to be an Ernesto Hoost-level kickboxer; I assure you of that. But one of the biggest misnomers I have seen is that people think I can't strike. I got arms that end right above my elbow and I have had an over 400-pound butterfly press. I assure you can strike (and) I can defend myself.”
But beyond that, does this writer really think so little of humanity as to believe that the people attending that event will be there because they want to see Maynard take a beating? The dude is an incredibly inspirational story. I’m pretty sure that everyone in attendance except his opponent’s friends and family will be hoping he pulls out a victory. And without knowing anything about who his opponent is (it’s a secret until the weigh-ins, apparently), you have to think that anyone who has done what Maynard has always has a chance at winning.
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Comments
Spank Mir Says:
Is anyone else having issues with the pages on this site showing up correctly lately, or does my computer have the HIV?
richorama Says:
Well said. Good luck to this kid.
k Says:
Word.
I'm just curious what sort of "gloves" he has to wear.
LoneWolf Says:
Good for him! Thats awesome.
Amadscientist Says:
do your thang boi!!!!!!!!!1
k Says:
One thing to remember is he is going to be much stronger than everyone in his weight class.
And he's a downed opponent. It's pretty damn hard to effectively strike someone who's on their knees when you can't kick/knee them.
I know I wouldn't want to fight this guy without a genius behind my gameplan.
fineazell1 Says:
I had the opportunity to watch this guy at Casca Grossa in Atlanta in 07 and again at NAGA in 07. He is tremendously hard to submit and a lot more active than you would think for a guy with no arms or legs. MMA? I'm not sure but I damn sure won't count him out. The problem is the kick to the face rule. If 3 points are touching the mat you can't kick to the face so I am assuming he will try to stay on all fours forcing his opponent to either punch from up high or engage in a grappling match. The only way I can see him winning this fight is on the cards. Don't look for him to be submitted or win by submission.
Ouch! That hurts Says:
I've got no problem with this guy wanting to step into the ring, give 'em hell!
Criminally Negligent Says:
This another good reason why that state needs an athletic commission so someone impartial can determine whether he is qualified to compete relative to his opponent... not knowing who he is fighting until the weigh-in is garbage.
CrippleCrippleCrippleCrippleCrippleApplesauce Says:
UNFAIR!!! He can't be arm-barred.
My Fight Wiffa Cheeto Says:
A secret til the weigh-ins?!
Who's he fighting Corky from Life Goes On? I was completely saying more power to him until I read that we don't know who his opponent is. It's a local show, so I doubt we'd know the fighter anyways, but how can you do that to yourself?
Anonymous Says:
Spank Mir... clear cookies, temp int files, reload website.
My Fight Wiffa Cheeto Says:
@ Criminally Negligent...
EXACTLY WHAT I'M SAYING!!!
saltyalmonds Says:
Are you fucking serious?! Wrestling, or any non-striking event is no where near the same as getting punched in the face. I don't care how much he benches, if you can't extend your arms then you can't strike. If you can't cover your face, because your arms are too short, then you can't defend getting hit in the face. If you standing height is less than 4 feet, then you are probably getting kicked in the head, while not being able to cover your face, at the other guys leisure. I am a HUGE fan of MMA, but how can cagepotato defend this type of event going on. Bob Sapp is a 400 pound gorrilla fighting other fully equipped humans. A guy missing half his legs and half his arms is in no way comparable to the 'freak shows' bob sapp takes part in. This is beyond freak show. This is like strapping a guy to train track with a train barreling down on him and hoping he can get himself free before the train runs him over. Sure he might do it, but what if he doesn't?... This guy is literally and figuratively in over his head. No one should be encouraging this crap.
k Says:
@fineazell1
You also can't knee/kick a person with even one "knee" on the ground (in most MMA). To me that says he is always grounded even without the 3 points rule.
"G" Funk Says:
IDK man, I applaud this kid for what he has done but MMA is too much! Stick to grappling tounaments, its not like he has just run through all grappling competitions and needs more of a challenge!
I guess he has a point to prove... I just kinda feel sorry for him
Mir's Balls Says:
I'm calling the win for the mystery opponent by heel hook.
Anonymous Says:
I'm having the same computer-HIV problem you are....been that way the past couple of days.
k Says:
@saltyalmonds
For the 2345789th time, he's a grounded opponent (always on his knees). Assuming that the event doesn't have "Pride rules", he can't be kicked in the head.
He should be able to strike just fine on the ground.
TheHuytonHandGrenade Says:
Good on the kid for trainin n all dat shit but he shouldnt be fighting men with arms and legs they should put him against other athletes like himself like in the paralympics
Anonymous Says:
He going to be fighting ROSS CLIFTON!!!!.
War Says:
With all this "He is incapable of striking" talk I thought the thread was about Gray Maynard, albeit before his last fight.
a platypus Says:
that columnists email is "bzimanek@gannett.com." I implore everybody to write him an email to let him know of your disappointment in his views. DON'T curse him out, DON'T do anything stupid like threaten him. Just tell him he's 100% wrong and he could learn a thing or two by going and watching Kyle Maynard's performance this weekend, win or lose.
Now, let's flood his inbox (that sounds dirty)
k Says:
There are ways to protect one's self from strikes even without full length arms.
His arms are perfectly long enough to protect his chin. Try it yourself. Instead of protecting your chin with your hands, do it with your elbows.
Furthermore he is perfectly capable of tucking his chin behind his shoulder.
Sack Says:
This is nuts. How the hell can this dude finish a fight?
Spank Mir Says:
Tried it...didn't work. It's weird, because it only started happening 2 days ago..I've never had an issue before, and I look at this site multiple times a day...and I'm not having troubles with any others. Oh well - thanks for trying.
Juan Blanco Says:
He should fight Tyson Griffin. He would be guaranteed to go the distance at least.. I'm sure Tyson couldn't finish him either...
poopiestick Says:
You know, while I feel for him and think his spirit is something we could all learn from, I must say I have mixed feelings about him competing in the sport. I just don't see how he could pose a striking or submission threat. I see fighters trying to submit him while he flops around like 150 pound fish. And, since he can't really stand, what if somebody just punts his head. Is that illegal, or is it a head kick? I wouldn't want to fight this opponent were I a fighter.
LAS Says:
You are overlooking the fact that somebody is using this kid to sell tickets to an event which they intend to profit from, which fully qualifies this as a freakshow. I'm all for sport and equal opportunity, but this is professional athletics, not amateur wrestling. For fucks sake, the guy is making his "amateur debut," and a photo emphasizing him is pretty much the largest graphic on the poster for the event. You don't find that to be degrading or exploitive?
Dapper Says:
Good for him! Just one question if he jabs is that really counted as an elbow? Sorry but had to ask. Hope he does well.
LAS Says:
Just because this guy from the Montgomery Advertiser is a total tool-bag doesn't mean he isn't right about this being a totally fucked up idea.
saltyalmonds Says:
@k #1) you assume this guy won't ever, and I use this term loosely, "stand up"
#2) You assume pride rules won't be used. This is being held in a state where there is no athletic comission, so the rules are made by those holding the event, not a legal sactioning body.
Those are two very consequential assumptions to be made. Assumption is the mother of all fuck ups.
#3) Bringing up the point that this guy is always a "downed opponent" only further solitifies the fact that this is the pinnacle of freak show-ness. This guy doesn't have two feet to stand on, and people want to see him in a effectively avoiding punishment? This dude can't grab a glass with one appendage, yet you find him capable of defending himself? He can't grab his own dick to piss, but he can fight?...
This is retarded. MMA is trying to become a major sporting event across the country, but then dumbasses come along and throw an armless, legless dude in a ring and think they are doing something to help the sport. And even worse people come out and publically defend it. This shit is stupid.
a platypus Says:
so in other words, he shouldn't be allowed to fight bc someone will profit from the ticket sales?? You're missing the entire point. YOU'RE calling him a freakshow. Everyone else is calling him a fighter.
Goog Says:
Right on, G Funk. It's going to turn into a wrestling match, anyway. There's absolutely no way this guy can defend getting punch in the head. He'll keep charging for takedowns, but dude... you're not a striker. I'm all for giving someone their chance to live up to their potential, but you have to be realistic.
I don't think it's fair to EITHER guy in this fight. His opponent is stripped of 95% of the possible ways to finish. You can't tie up his arms or legs or sink hooks in, so choking him will be like trying to drag your dog into the tub. There's no guard to be in or pull. It's just too weird. Good for him for being inspirational and all, but this just isn't necessary. I'm sure there's a legally blind kid somewhere who's dream is to be in NASCAR. He needs to call Maynard's people.
fineazell1 Says:
And on a side note:
The Auburn Fight Night is held at the "covered arena". The same place they hold bull fights LOL.
Last time I was there the 17th floor was performing after the fights and they were the hilight of the night.
raspberrymight Says:
I agree with Goog, props to maynard, with his wrestling he's acheived something incredible but mma is probably a step too far. I wouldn't be entirely comfortable fighting someone with his disability because i wouldnt want to tee off on someone who couldn't protect themselves fully. On the other hand, subing him would be nigh on impossible not to mention the advantage he has in weight.
However, with all that aside, if there are mma fighters out there that wanna take this kid on, i'd say, in immortal words of big John Mc Carthy "let's get it on!" cos after all like the CP says it is Maynard's choice
Anonymous Says:
Um, anyone considered a RNC, the defense kind of requires the use of at least one hand, and guys with two usually have a hard time defending. Just a thought, seems like he might be very vulnerable.
Spank Mir Says:
Back on track...cleared out absoluetely everything and the page loads fine now...not that anybody cares, but thanks Anonymous for the heads up.
By the way - good for this guy. Who are any of us to tell him he can't go try something? He's clearly mentally prepared and as physically prepared as he can possibly be (have you seen his wrestling footage? - wow). There's only one real way for any of us to tell if he's not capable of performing in the sport, and that is to let him try it.
agentsmith Says:
k Says:
I'm just curious what sort of "gloves" he has to wear.
====================
Ever seen a thimble? They should just take the tassels off a couple Shriners' hats and tape them on stumps.
Appropriate that the event is in Alabama... he'll be one of the least deformed people in attendance. I've you've ever wondered what it would be like to see a guy get smacked in the face by a dolphin's flipper, git on down to 'Bama this weekend.
k Says:
@saltyalmonds
1) I don't assume he won't "stand up". He legs stop before where he would have knees. By the very definition of grounded opponent, as far as MMA is concerned, he is physically incapable of standing up.
2) Unless stated otherwise, it's pretty much a given that MMA in the US doesn't allow knees/kicks to the head of a grounded opponent. Obviously it would be retarded for him to fight assuming that, and I'm sure he knows the rules. In fact, I'm sure that even if knees/kicks to the head WERE allowed, he'd have a way of defending/avoiding them (or else he wouldn't take the fight). The only reason I brought up my assumption in the first place was that other people were ASSUMING that he COULD be kicked in the face. My guess is much more likely to be true than the alternative.
3) Holding a glass is not a requirement for being able to defend yourself.
I never said he was helping the sport. But he's not hurting it either. He will never be an MMA world champion, just like he will never be a world champion no gi grappler. (Becoming one involves intimate knowledge of gaining the back and applying RNC's, of which he his not very capable, and very vulnerable to.) That doesn't mean he shouldn't be allowed to compete if he's capable of doing so. And to assume he's not is simply ignorant.
CG Says:
WTF does a butterfly press have to do with striking?
Fedor vs Bas Says:
Wow, great question
Fedor vs Bas Says:
What gloves will he wear? He doesnt have fists and people dont have to cover their elbows for strikes. Does he wear any? I think 99% of the crowd will be going for this guy. He's never going to be in the UFC, but it is inspirational and prob a hell of a workout for this guy.
k Says:
@Anonymous
Actually, the best defense to an RNC involves the exact part of the arm that he has. (You block off one side of your neck by covering it with your arm.) Defending with your hand is only appropriate once the choke is already "sunk" in, at which point you're likely to get choked out anyway. I think I've seen Rampage survive a choke like that and was incredibly impressed. Some people can stop a choke defending with their hands, but it's more of a strength move than a technique move and will get you killed in grappling tournaments if that's the only way you defend.
From an inability to defend point of view, the submission setup he's probably most vulnerable to is a guillotine, however, it's probably extremely difficult to pull guard and keep him there to finish it. He's vulnerable to giving up his back, which means he's vulnerable to the position necessary for an RNC, but he's only out the "last ditch effort" using his hands to defend it.
nEw JeRsEy - NeW jErSeY Says:
balls! this guy has no arms and legs, but he's got a pair of balls for sure. good luck.
dude wants to prove himself, and you gotta respect that.
Nut Puncher 9000 Says:
1 - DO NOT feel sorry for this guy, he was born that way. He just wants to be recognized as an equal. (Human to Human terms)
2 - He was a monster wrestler and very difficult to deal with. All leverage is very different for him and his opponents against him.
3- I have a hard time picturing anything other than an opponent bent over with their hand on his head (semi sprawled) punching him in the head repeatedly while they circle/backpedal/etc. (Almost like the movies where the tall guy holds the short guys head and he cant reach...) If he goes to the ground what would he do to someone who bodylocked him?
4 - part of me in actually interested in seeing this because he might bring a whole new idea of LnP to MMA...Look out Guida!
k Says:
@Dapper
Good question about the elbow. If it is an elbow, he wouldn't have to wear gloves, but a lot of local MMA organizations don't allow elbows to the head of a grounded opponent, which would severely limit his striking and chances of finishing a fight.
k Says:
@Puncher 9000
Breaking a body lock (from someone on your back) with your limbs would be a last resort because it leaves you wide open to an RNC. It'd be too difficult for me to explain the BJJ aspects of it without a visual aid, but suffice to say, you use your body, not your hands.
Levi Says:
The ref should immediately disqualify him for refusing to stand.
Anonymous Says:
"saltyalmonds Says:"
"Are you fucking serious?! Wrestling, or any non-striking event is no where near the same as getting punched in the face. I don't care how much he benches, if you can't extend your arms then you can't strike. If you can't cover your face, because your arms are too short, then you can't defend getting hit in the face. If you standing height is less than 4 feet, then you are probably getting kicked in the head, while not being able to cover your face, at the other guys leisure. I am a HUGE fan of MMA, but how can cagepotato defend this type of event going on................
"
totally agree, looks like Cagepotato has fallen into the PC world as well..;;;.how pathetic
I respect this guys will, and courage but sometimes the phrase "you can do whatever you want in life, just put your mind to it" needs to be taken with some salt...unfortunatley, because of his disabilities he shouldnt be fighting a mma fight