Limb Possible: Kyle Maynard drops unanimous decision in unsanctioned MMA debut
by Jesse Holland on Apr 26, 2009 3:01 AM EDT
74 comments
Congenital amputee Kyle Maynard made his mixed martial arts debut on Saturday, April 25 at 'Auburn Fight Night' from the Auburn Covered Arena, dropping a unanimous decision (30-27) to Bryan Fry in an unsanctioned MMA bout held in Auburn, Alabama.
The bantamweight contest marked the end of Maynard's nearly three year quest to compete in mixed martial arts. In 2007, the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission denied Maynard a license to fight in the belief that he would be unable to properly defend himself.
Maynard never gave up his dream and found his opportunity against Bryan Fry in the State of Alabama -- specifically chosen for its lack of a sanctioning body that could have potentially denied him the chance to compete.
But fight he did, and in an unfortunate and ironic twist, Maynard was prohibited from striking because his gloves were unable to be secured prior to the bout, presumably from the heat and humidity.
It didn't stop a game -- but somewhat restrained Fry from lightly peppering Maynard en route to the decision victory. Fry, who improves to 1-2 with the win, was careful not to engage Maynard on the ground where the former 35-16 Varsity wrestler had a distinct advantage.
The pro-Maynard crowd repeatedly rained down boos for Fry's play-it-safe routine, but the end result was probably the best case scenario. Maynard was able to achieve his goal of competing in mixed martial arts, and the sport avoids an unthinkable and perhaps catastrophic scenario.
Whether or not Maynard continues to pursue a career in mixed martial arts remains to be seen. Whether or not he should? Well, that's up to the commissions to decide. As for now, I think it's pretty clear where they stand.
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that is so facked up i dont even want to say shit about it… imagine loosing to that guy
by mmawarrior on Apr 26, 2009 3:05 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Fry is the looser here. Now he can tell his kids he beat a guy with no arms in a fight that turned into a boxing match. He is now 1-2. You got a hard fought win in MMA. What a looser.
by iagoof22 on Apr 26, 2009 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
maynard would probably see it as offensive if no one were to fight him because they felt bad for him…. or because if they did they would be “loosers”… just another for of discrimination they way i see it
by gobrowns on Apr 26, 2009 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
U guys seen Maynard grapple? It’s much easier for him to guard pass and mount than anyone else. Even with very good defensive grappling, can you imagine how hard it would be to return him to guard. What about sweeps and reversals? Kinda hard when you got nothing use to work those. Also with his ridiculous upper body strength he can definitely gnp on a skinny 135er. It sucks about the glove thing. Frye came in with a great plan of machida’ing him. I would too if i was 0-3.
by NameNotRequired on Apr 26, 2009 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
u gotta wonder… did fry train for this fight at all? did he need to? if so, did he use a 135 pound dog to punch at?
by champagne on Apr 27, 2009 5:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
While I don’t support unsanctioned MMA fights, it’s hard not to admire Maynard’s courage.
by Jesse Holland on Apr 26, 2009 3:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, it takes courage but I think he already demonstrated courage and didn’t need this fight to show it. Had Maynard fought someone who was unbiased and an equal opportunity fighter that fights to finish, this could have turned ugly. Fry went easy on him.
by RedDog on Apr 26, 2009 4:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with redDog…HIm training mma is inspirational enough, him fighting is making a mockery of the sport….and only bad could have came from this situation. I dont like it at all!
by john on Apr 26, 2009 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dana should have put this guy on TUF. There is ratings in that idea.
by iagoof22 on Apr 26, 2009 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Fry realy wanted to go after the guy he could have nailed him with kicks all day, but instead he clearly tok it easy on him. MMA is a serious full-contact combat sport, not the freaking Special Olympics. Keep Stubby out of the ring from now on.
by PW on Apr 26, 2009 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
PW; no, fry couldn’t have nailed him with kicks all day. according to the fight arrangments (not making this up) maynard was considered a permanently grounded opponent.
by JB on Apr 26, 2009 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly! Truly inspirational. Kinda strange that they said he could not strike, as if he didn’t have enough going against him already. If elbows are legal in the fight, then basically you should be able to strike with any part of the arm. Anyway, I am glad he was able to achieve his goal of fighting in an mma event.
by naturalshadow on Apr 26, 2009 4:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol, the softer side of Jesse Holland. I was telling mexicutioner last night, I would of head kicked him even if I got DQ’d, just to prove a point! This body (I mean guy) had no reason to be in the cage! Of course an event held in a dirt floored bar and with Junie Browning as the "special guest, what do you expect. I mean chewing tobacco and corn pipes were the two main thins at the concession stand!
by kevin on Apr 26, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is it me or does the guy in this pic look like he’s about to get dropped on his head Fedor/Randleman style?
by Jesse Holland on Apr 26, 2009 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What I thought was cool is that there appears to be some kind of marijuana grow-op concealed by the curtain in the background. Maybe that’s why Maynard thought this could be a good idea!
by Jeremyjackson on Apr 26, 2009 6:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I doubt,that a lots of peoples can understand your hawk eyes JJ,but i definitely see what you mean..lol!
by Alpha Male 360 on Apr 27, 2009 8:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know, when my kids get old enough to start asking me “meaning of life” type questions, I’m going to make it clear that while almost anything is possible, you should play to your strengths….. that you should make the most of your gifts. If you’re a dwarf, don’t try out for the NBA. If you have inner ear problems, don’t be a gymnast. And if you have no arms and legs, don’t be a fighter.
My wife watches that God-awful Americas Next Top Model and there was a chick this season who was a burn victim. I don’t get it. There’s a million things she could achieve. It doesn’t make sense to choose the one that requires as much aesthetic appeal as possible. It’s dumb. There’s brave an then there’s just dumb.
I wish the very best for Maynard IN ANOTHER AVENUE.
by Punch You in the Ovaries on Apr 26, 2009 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
good post punch…kinda like an asian dude trying to be a major porn star!!! catch my drift?
by kevin on Apr 26, 2009 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know Kev, I kind of like the asian porn stars. Sort of makes me feel good about myself.
by Punch You in the Ovaries on Apr 26, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jesse, in the article you point out Fry was very restrained and you then comment on Kyle’s courage?? Perhaps this unsanctioned match went down exactly the way it was supposed to… you know?
by DJ on Apr 26, 2009 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yea i guess i have to agree with you on that i would not fight someone if i was handicaped like that
by mmawarrior on Apr 26, 2009 3:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I aspire to fight mma on the amatuer level…I am doing everything to prepare myself to compete….I have a lot of Friends supporting me in this endeavor. All I have to say is that If i were fighting a man with no arms or legs….my Friends would never let me hear the end of it!
How in the world they found a douchebag to take this fight against a handicapped person is just unexplainable! I blame the opponent more then the handicapped cat!
by john on Apr 26, 2009 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
mmawarrior is a fckin dickk
why are you being biased towards handicaped
there is no shame in losing to sumone like that at all
by Chris909 on Apr 26, 2009 3:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
yes there is. the guy is nearly a nugget. it would be embarassing losing to a guy in a FIGHT who has no arms or legs (as such).
by adam on Apr 26, 2009 7:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nugget!!!!! lol shit i know it aint right but thats just too damm funny not to laugh
by Eagzy on Apr 26, 2009 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
are you kidding me? the guy can’t defend a rnc or strike!
by Bill Maher on Apr 26, 2009 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i don’t get it, y can he b aloud to fight he can’t reach them and if he can sumhow he has no fist, sorry im not knocking him im just confused it makes no sence how he can fight..
by guyverbob on Apr 26, 2009 3:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
“his gloves were unable to be secured prior to the bout, presumably from the heat and humidity.”
lol
by ShaiZ on Apr 26, 2009 4:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Dude you’re a dick. but that was funny
by RedDog on Apr 26, 2009 5:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fry “improves” to 1-2, the only thing that was an improvement for him was that he didn’t lose.
What is Fry doing now, celebrating his first win???
The only chance of me watching this is if Joe Rogan was the commentator which he’s not so I’ll skip on this freak show.
by JonnyBoy on Apr 26, 2009 4:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Im not sure what in the Hell to make of this? On one hand I applaud him on his effort and determination to try it.. ‘GREAT’! He’s an inspiration! On the other hand…WTF!?
by DAVE A on Apr 26, 2009 4:51 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Maybe I’m sick,,, but I’d like to see that video of the fight!!!
by DAVE A on Apr 26, 2009 5:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well then we’re both sick. I’ve been searching for about an hour!
by protecvideo on Apr 26, 2009 5:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
haha. i was searching all night last night.
by JB on Apr 26, 2009 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol, I was searching last night and went as far as to email mexicutioner about it (he always seems to find obscure videos! guess we all have problems!
by kevin on Apr 26, 2009 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
by SoCalStunNa on Apr 26, 2009 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
wELL, if I find a link to that ‘special video’ I’ll be sure to post it, do the same please! TY.
by DAVE A on Apr 27, 2009 1:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here’s the link to the 1st rnd of Maynard Vs Fry! I was scratching my head, thinking, WTF?
http://www.mmatko.com/kyle-maynard-vs-bryan-fry-fight-video-mma/
by DAVE A on Apr 27, 2009 1:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was one wierd fight… It was obvious his opponent didn’t want to unload on Maynard and KO him. Maynard should stick to grappling and stay away from anything that has striking before he meets up with the ‘Wrong Guy’. More people than ever now know him. IMO, it’s time he moves on.
by DAVE A on Apr 27, 2009 1:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OH wow hes a white belt in JUDO…
First wrestling, then Judo now MMA…
I think the whole glove thing is stupid, as if his strike would actually hurt. Give me a freaking break, I would have let him.
Then again I think he should have fought someone in a similar condition. Did his friends not beat the living crap out of him to make sure he knew what he was up against.
I dont think I would be interested in this unless they actually tussled on the mat.
by SHAMWOW on Apr 26, 2009 7:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
im sure getting hit head on from a sharp nub would hurt like shit. go outside take a sharp stick, wrap it in a cloth and punch yourself with it head on.
by elstiko on Apr 26, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great idea! I’m heading out the door right now!!!
by Jeremyjackson on Apr 26, 2009 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OK, I’m back guys!
I did what you suggested, elstiko, and let me tell you, you’re right! It did hurt like hell, and in fact I knocked myself unconscious and had to be driven to the hospital by my concerned neighbors.
The specialist I saw there says I may have done severe damage to my cerebrum! In fact, he says that a stroke is likely and that at any time I could just
by Jeremyjackson on Apr 26, 2009 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow it went to decision. I’m glad he accomplished somethin a lot of ppl won’t but common!
by TRIKZ on Apr 26, 2009 9:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What did he really accomplish? The pussy he was fighting obviously elected to avoid the asshole hall of Fame by not going to town on a limbless opponenet and knocking him out cold to the stunned horror of millions.
Maynard and his handlers need to give their stumps a shake. This has gone far enough.
by Jeremyjackson on Apr 26, 2009 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bad for the sport. All courage and tenacity aside, this could have been really bad for MMA.
by Youtaped on Apr 26, 2009 9:24 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
One thing that confuses me is the statement of where it says Maynard would have a distinct advantage on the ground. Even though he wrestled (successfully) I fail to see how he could have an advantage anywhere.
I wonder if the promoters told Fry to take it to a decision to allow the circus last as long as possible.
by PJJ on Apr 26, 2009 9:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
An MMA “fight” where one guy cant strike at all and the other can only throw punches. Hmmm….
by El Mexicutioner, formerly The Mexicutioner on Apr 26, 2009 9:38 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i can’t find a video but here’s a pic. i hate to admit it made me pee my pants:
by JB on Apr 26, 2009 10:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
by c_mon on Apr 26, 2009 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You almost have to drop yourself on the ground just to throw a punch at him. This is pathetic.
by UFC Champ on Apr 26, 2009 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, it still sounds like there was better action than in the Silva – Leites fight.
That said, I hope this is the last we hear of his attempts at fighting in MMA. There is no upside to a fight like this – he’s not actually advancing the cause of the handicapped by participating in this sort of freakshow, and the fools who let him fight are hurting MMA, inviting unjustified criticism of what is normally a sanctioned and responsibly run sport.
In fact, I don’t think someone in his position should even be wrestling, which is where he actually has something of a (no pun intended) shot. Frankly, I think it’s unfair to everyone who had to compete against him. He gets a boost to his self esteem – which is what it’s all about, right? What about all the people forced to either beat up on or lose to a guy with no limbs?
by MattNY on Apr 26, 2009 10:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I feel the exact same way. Great post.
On a side note, the title of this article was clever but in very poor taste. I’m disappointed, Mania.
by johnadnauseam on Apr 26, 2009 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Imagine Sylvia lost by broken arm bar again. LOL, that would be hilarious!
by UFC Champ on Apr 26, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dont know if its true, but hae you guuys heard the rumor about Tim getting beat up at a bar by a WWE wrestler named Cane? Google it.
by RichT on Apr 26, 2009 12:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
wow, you’re about 6 weeks late and it wasn’t true
by kevin on Apr 26, 2009 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Someone needs to get on their hands and knees, and look this guy in the eyes and tell him you cant fight because you have no arms or legs.
by Brandon on Apr 26, 2009 4:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
dude! wtf how do u lose to that thing? the lil man comes running at u u just feild kick that bitch in the face and send the amputee flying!
mma does not need this crap! he will never have a chance to fight a real fighter
keep to backyard wrestling maynard!!!!!!!! ur an idiot!
by chris on Apr 26, 2009 4:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
wow! actually fuck it we need to throw that fool in a lake and see if he can swim!
by chris on Apr 26, 2009 4:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Anyone figure out where to watch this vid?
Any chance that you could put it up Mania?
by lukeinShanghai on Apr 26, 2009 7:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You Tube “Kyle Maynard Fight”
Not much to it. he strikes to take him down while getting GINGERLY peppered with an occasional shot.
by SoCalStunNa on Apr 26, 2009 9:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ANyone know where to find Kyle’s fight? Haven’t been able to find it anywhere? Junkie, any help?
by lukeinShanghai on Apr 26, 2009 8:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i watched some youtube vids couple of days ago when everyone was talking about it…and he is very david cronenberg looking when he is crawling around..hey..my dad is missing his right leg below the knee from a crash in the air force..sure..missing one limb you could prolly f people up proper..but a limbless fighter..we could all refer to monty python for that..i really am not trying to make fun of him..he has balls and lots of heart..but stick to grappling..when you start a fight as a downed opponent..i dunno maybe thales leites..they could lay on the ground together and fight there!
by sarah on Apr 26, 2009 10:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I was watching the NCAA wrestling finals today and this kid with one leg took 4th!
by SoCalStunNa on Apr 27, 2009 12:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve seen both amputee’s wrestle and they manage do do great within their range… but no limbs in MMA? I have no problem with kyle fighting. However, there should be adaptable rules for his situation.
by DAVE A on Apr 27, 2009 1:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is…kinda
He is ALWAYS considered a downed opponent and no strikes (for him)
by SoCalStunNa on Apr 27, 2009 2:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Alabama has alot to be proud of…. they probably has a goat for a ring girl.
by DJ on Apr 27, 2009 7:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Did He trained with Thales Leites, looks like the same game plan LOL…Seriouly Its a little freak but if that was his dream good for him.
by arturo_caap on Apr 27, 2009 11:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Simply put – this should never of happened, and he should never ever fight MMA against an able bodied opponent. The reason we have a special Olympics is so disabled athletes have the opportunity to compete against people who are just as talented and the playing field is level. This is the last thing MMA needs, and the fact this is even debately is simply ridiculous. I am sure the guy is talented, that is clear but he should not be fighting able bodied opponents, particularly in unsanctioned bouts.
Simple, no room for argument on this one, it is black and white.
by SiamMMA on Apr 27, 2009 11:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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