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Can Kyle Maynard Succeed In MMA

Posted By: Bruno Published in Fighter Talk

Apr

Can a man with no knees or elbows actually compete in a MMA event? Kyle Maynard thinks he can.

Kyle Maynard has alway impressed everyone with his dramatic accomplishments in life. He has great wrestling skills and is moving into Jiu-Jitsu. Without full-length arms and legs, I find it hard to believe that he could succeed in a UFC rules MMA event and be able to defend himself safely.

He has no elbows or knees and is just over 3 feet tall. He also only weighs around 120 pounds. It would make it even harder for him to find a fight because of weight class limitations. If he can pull it off great for him. The MMA world can always use someone new with such a great attitude.

Kyle Maynard’s official website.

54 Responsed To This Post

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don stansberry Says, in 4-11-2008 at 18:55:13 from 67.60.59.251

Seems like it was only yesterday(1993) that a gangly 160lb. non-threatening in appearance of a man stepped into the cage to face giants. Many people counted him out before he had proved to the world that physical attributes and appearance really have no bearing on the outcome. It is the belief in one’s self and not letting others set your boundaries. I had the priviledge to meet and speak with Kyle this last weekend in Las Vegas. Kyle’s strength is built upon things that were presented as not possible. He will continue to surpise and surpass any obstacles presented before him. To say that he is truly inspirational is an understatement. I look forward to watching him compete.

Joshua King Says, in 5-12-2008 at 18:33:45 from 24.33.230.82

Best of luck… next time I feel sorry for myself because of an injury or setback I’ll think of Kyle. The guy has balls, not because he’s attempting MMA, but because he won’t let others tell him what he can’t do!

Gabe Says, in 7-27-2008 at 16:48:07 from 64.136.27.226

I am a martial artist with a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I have met Kyle Maynard and was much less impressed with him in person than I was when I saw him on TV. Jiu Jitsu tournaments like NAGA and Casca Grossa are sport jiu jitsu tournaments. UFC, unlike the sport jiu jitsu rules allow the use of techniques that Maynard would have an incredibly difficult time defending. It is impossible to catch him in an armbar because his limbs are so short you can’t get any leverage on them but he would have an incredibly difficult time fighting a kickboxer who could use his head for a soccer ball. Even against other grapplers he would have to contend with being picked up and slammed from above the waist, dropped on his head or being struck while grappling. Having said all that he is still impressive for what he has accomplshed, but I as I mentioned earlier I have met him personally. He has a big ego and only acts humble when it suits him. He exudes superiority. The way I see it his lack of forearms,hands, feet and shins have been an advantage to him in pure grappling matches, making him far less impressive to me.

Jasonicus Says, in 4-24-2009 at 10:04:17 from 167.77.0.11

I hope he does well, but I can’t see him even winning one fight. Wresting and MMA are 2 different beasts.

Androly-San Says, in 4-24-2009 at 10:09:11 from 65.212.112.106

Inspirational as he may be, i don’t think MMA is a wise choice for him. From what i’ve read, he’ll be considered a “downed opponent” at all times, which takes out the head kicks. He’s still wide open to kicks to the body which he can’t block and punches to the head which he can’t stop. Any decent wrestler should be able to pick him up and throw him around (remember these are MMA rules, not wrestling).
I personaly think, and i know this sounds terrible, that what will happen is that his opponent will feel bad about blatantly hitting a handicapped opponent and will instead attempt to end the fight by submission; rear naked choke or guillotine if i had to guess. The fact that the rules of the sport are being bent to accomodate a special fighter doesn’t appeal to me either.

Having said all that, i wish him luck. It takes balls to get in a cage and fight, but it takes epic balls to do so without forearms and full legs.

j Says, in 4-24-2009 at 10:15:57 from 156.99.235.225

Man guy is very courageous and inspirational. Really makes you think about how hard you have it. But that being said I don’t see him being competitive at all. He can’t really block any punches or body kicks at all. I don’t know how mobile he is never seen him move but I can’t really see how he would ever finish an opponent. But good for him for all he has accomplished and I tip my hat for him to want to even try this.

Jackubean Says, in 4-24-2009 at 10:37:14 from 70.110.59.71

I hope his opponent just submits him and doesn’t strike. I respect his courage but like Jaonicus said, these wrestling and MMA just aren’t the same thing.

Sprawler23 Says, in 4-24-2009 at 10:59:03 from 98.192.255.88

MIKE Says, in 4-24-2009 at 11:04:52 from 75.33.87.152

I feel bad for the dude, but at the same time I’m happy for him and what he’s accomplished. Personally I think he should remain a fan of MMA, not compete in MMA.

johnclayburchett Says, in 4-24-2009 at 11:39:36 from 74.131.248.73

Don’t care how inspirational he is, this is blatantly retarded. I’m glad he isn’t depressed over the hand that life dealt him, but if he was as intelligent as he seems to be then he would realize that this is a bad and dangerous decision.

DeLaSeoul87 Says, in 4-24-2009 at 11:45:07 from 98.209.39.49

I wish him all the best, but in this era, there is no way he can win a match. I just hope he doesn’t get severely injured.

Boner Nose Says, in 4-24-2009 at 11:52:28 from 208.95.202.2

That’s awesome that he won’t let anyone set his limits for him. But if the question is can he compete in MMA….the logical answer is a resounding NO. You can’t throw a punch without hands and you can’t throw a kick without feet. Even if they didn’t allow any striking, he would still be a sitting duck for a RNC. And on that note, if they were to limit what his opponent could or couldn’t do to level the playing field a bit, it would not only be unfair to his opponent, but at that point it’s not even MMA. I feel like a dick even saying it, but he’s setting himself up for disappointment if he chooses to pursue this.

Sean Wooldridge Says, in 4-24-2009 at 12:33:17 from 72.86.122.178

I dunno. There are certain realities with MMA that are hard to ignore. Then again, this wouldn’t be the first time that this guy has overcome an “I dunno”. I can tell you that the last thing he wants is pity. That’s his whole MO.

I’m not sure how he is going to defend against certain striking techniques. We’ll see though. I definitely don’t envy the guy who is fighting him. If you think about it, you pretty much have to rethink your strategy from scratch. It’s kind of hard to find a training partner for such a fight.

Sakuraba Says, in 4-24-2009 at 12:55:38 from 76.178.40.38

I think what this kid is doing is great, but putting him in the ring with ELITE FIGHTERS is crazy. I wouldn’t allow it.

dub shih Says, in 4-24-2009 at 14:26:51 from 199.221.98.4

This is fucking stupid. It’s great that he’s done everything he has sought out to do, but MMA is clearly out of the question.

The can’t punch or kick… can he really defend strikes? The only thing going for him is that since he doesn’t have limbs he can’t really get submitted. But this is literally a fucking joke.

Taylor Says, in 4-24-2009 at 14:33:17 from 134.186.104.254

Bruno,

Do you plan on having footage available after the fight. I’m sure the whole world is going to be curious to see what happens.
Bruno:If someone tapes it I will get it.

Bottom line: You lose 35 MMA fight before you figure it out and you have serious trauma. He can’t afford to learn as he goes.

AOR Says, in 4-24-2009 at 14:33:46 from 68.151.251.232

kyle via overhand right

paddedummy Says, in 4-24-2009 at 14:39:06 from 96.20.145.49

I want to figh this gimp. I wouldn’t feel sorry for him at all while I was kicking him around the cage like a big soccer ball,lol

slickrick210 Says, in 4-24-2009 at 14:39:47 from 70.120.73.139

well it is only amateur he’s venturing into, but i don’t think he has any place in mma, period.

Ta2ooed Says, in 4-24-2009 at 15:24:57 from 69.159.194.78

Where the hell is the NSAC now? Is it not in their best interest to protect fighters and the sport as a whole? This guy is gonna get destroyed unless whoever is in the cage decides to take pity on him. Not trying to be insensitive here, just realistic.

pocketmouth Says, in 4-24-2009 at 15:29:54 from 128.32.190.86

I think he is a loser. Would anyone be proud of me if I fist-fought a bear?

JohnnyMMA Says, in 4-24-2009 at 15:48:32 from 67.126.206.93

This is a lose lose situation for whoever fights him. If you beat the handicap guy with no limbs then you’re a douchebag, and you lose to him you’re the dude that lost the guy with no limbs. Why would anyone accept this fight?

JohnnyMMA Says, in 4-24-2009 at 15:50:08 from 67.126.206.93

I know it’s morbid but it would be kind of funny if the dude he fought just went apeshit and pounded him out in like 5 seconds.

goro Says, in 4-24-2009 at 16:13:20 from 81.36.237.48

hm…i think he is hero of our time,but jiu-jitsu and mma ……thats to much for that guy…he really impress me..(sry about my English)…but see how some guy will punch hem thats to much …

red4699 Says, in 4-24-2009 at 16:13:26 from 70.173.225.106

Good Luck finding an opponent! I would feel like a grade A piece of shit for striking this dude.

gummo-815 Says, in 4-24-2009 at 16:54:44 from 75.21.127.13

this is ridiculous. kyle maynard vs. kimbo. people will tune into that. i would mount this kid and drop bombs on his head till he . . . can he tap out? he is fighting in a state the nsac does not govern. he can not fight in his home state, the nsac would not allow it.

Mamma's Boy Says, in 4-24-2009 at 17:14:41 from 75.107.179.10

pocketmouth please tape your fight with Smokey, I want to see.

Dave Says, in 4-24-2009 at 17:16:18 from 70.121.128.114

He’s gonna get fucked up. Don’t do it, dude!

FIGHTtheFIGHT Says, in 4-24-2009 at 17:26:29 from 74.137.219.167

I agree with Ta2ooed…The NSAC made a mockery out of Karo…I know he took a banned substance, but they said that they had to protect him…OK, that being said…what is worse: taking a few painkillers or having no arms and legs? But hey, I guess he can draw a crowd, so it doesnt matter. Hats off to the guy for having such a positive outlook, but c’mon….REALLY?…is this happening?

Drew Says, in 4-24-2009 at 17:29:38 from 207.210.26.156

Aside from the obvious concerns about his safety, I also wonder what possible offense he’ll be able to mount. Lay ‘ pray has got to be his only chance to win, unless he can pull off a miraculous armbar. But, how will he set up any of his takedowns with no striking to speak of? There’s a difference between having courage and being competitive, and then being realistic about the numerous dangers about putting such a person in a cage.

metallica fan Says, in 4-24-2009 at 17:40:20 from 99.241.55.200

he cant punch? hes useless! who would even wanna fight this dude, jesus fuck. this is some twisted shit!

dub shih Says, in 4-24-2009 at 17:49:21 from 199.221.98.4

pocketmouth: yes, please film and give to Bruno

hond2dciv Says, in 4-24-2009 at 18:18:50 from 71.193.222.208

Look at him in the picture. If knees were legal, he’d be eating them and liking them–right to the face. Or wait, would he be considered a ‘downed opponent’ b/c he doesnt have legs??

Levercham Says, in 4-24-2009 at 18:28:03 from 68.53.203.128

does anyone seriously considering this, understand this dude is going to catch low kicks from freakin hell that will just annihilate him.
I understand everyone wants to be lovey and PC and understanding and crap.
I also understand everyone wants to see the spectacle of seeing this guy get smashed, but it is really kind of sick.
I feel sorry for this poor guy, but no virginia, there is no santa claus, not everyone can do everything that they want to .
This just is not safe.

sancho Says, in 4-24-2009 at 19:07:52 from 74.60.97.107

at least theres no soccer kicks in the ufc

J_satan_666 Says, in 4-24-2009 at 19:35:31 from 75.62.7.109

no doubt the kid is courageous but this shouldn’t happen and he will get koed. who weights 120 pounds anyway? who wants to beat up someone with such heart and spirit. if you win your a jerk and if you loose you got beat by someone who has a major handicap. = a losing sitution

hanabahn Says, in 4-24-2009 at 19:50:26 from 74.61.163.127

This is ridiculous. Being an inspiration to people is good. You don’t have to try and fight MMA to do it. This is a gross mis-direction of priorities for this kid.

bobinho Says, in 4-24-2009 at 20:09:11 from 82.30.105.71

how is he going to choke someone out or arm bar them. he get destroyed fighting a to year old who has basic basic striking. and i know he’s a wrestler but how is he supposed to shoot with no knees and feet. anyone could beat him, its stupid. he wouldn’t be able to defend himself, every time he takes both hands off the ground he’ll fall over.
and strength does have a massive impact, when skills match up the physically stronger opponent wins, see penn v GSP.

yoyo Says, in 4-24-2009 at 21:15:29 from 142.161.98.237

gsp vs kyle maynard

sprawler23 Says, in 4-24-2009 at 21:20:27 from 72.81.35.32

Uh Kyle “silly pants” Maynard, really what is he going to do. I’m calling it he will win by DQ cause i mean i would rather be him than the opponent facing him, that guy is gonna catch grief.

Jack Silver Says, in 4-24-2009 at 21:54:03 from 72.68.104.85

I think he should fight fedor

costa200 Says, in 4-24-2009 at 21:57:25 from 84.90.200.28

FFS… This is just a freak show. My utter respect for this dude, for not just giving in and finding a way to deal with his physical limitations. But in MMA he can get hurt! Seriously, this is a bad idea!

CobraCommander Says, in 4-24-2009 at 23:12:58 from 74.72.200.60

I would pay good money to see him vs. Kim Couture.

silvaisabeast Says, in 4-25-2009 at 00:09:50 from 216.175.110.92

who ever punches this guy is a dick

Xenolord Says, in 4-25-2009 at 00:46:10 from 206.75.108.101

To the people crying “where’s the NSAC now?”- this fight is taking place in alabama. What do you expect the Nevada State Athletic Commission to do exactly? Get a clue.

danablows Says, in 4-25-2009 at 01:01:51 from 208.184.6.25

if he were in a handicap league fighting people with similar defects then yes..but throwing him in the cage with someone like Wandy or rampage??! idiotic to even imagine.

Unexpaix Says, in 4-25-2009 at 04:20:18 from 99.241.26.199

He could probably take Fedor on once he’s got some experience under his belt

the bear Says, in 4-25-2009 at 07:11:51 from 99.139.50.92

Pocketmouth tried to fight me. Here are his limbs that I tore off. Now he can fight Kyle Maynard in the Man With No Arms And No Legs Division.

jamie Says, in 4-25-2009 at 07:13:49 from 94.171.28.22

look am not tryin to be a d**k bit u need to be cruel to be kind in this day and age kick seven shades of s**t out of him to prove he dosent belong in this sport it better if it happnens now rather than later as he is just prolonging the hard truth which is the reality of the really world ps none the less a good story bit i wish he would be a bit more realistic

jabbyjap Says, in 4-25-2009 at 07:30:22 from 76.184.70.4

Soccer Kick!!!

don't let this happen Says, in 4-25-2009 at 16:45:41 from 99.255.206.6

1st televised mma death incoming.

necrosisowns Says, in 4-26-2009 at 12:15:00 from 24.186.180.235

Well I just found out the results…..lol

Train Says, in 4-26-2009 at 14:13:38 from 24.175.145.176

I appreciate the kid’s heart, but let’s get real. In wrestling the counter to a wrestling maneuver is another wrestling maneuver. In MMA the counter to a wrestling maneuver could well be punching your opponent in the side of the skull until he’s unconscious. He has zero way to defense against this. They need to stop gassing this kid up before he winds up more disabled than he already is.

Greatwhite Says, in 4-27-2009 at 17:58:40 from 209.139.199.1

In the media’s eyes this is a great story to gain revenue but let’s get real here it just isn’t going to happen.