No Arms, No Legs? No Problem
Ever hear of Kyle Maynard? You might start to as he makes his entry into mixed martial arts. And what makes him so special? Maynard is an incredible athlete who happens to also be a congenital amputee. Author of the best selling book “No Excuses: The True Story of a Congenital Amputee who Became a Champion in Wrestling and in Life,” Kyle is a 21-year-old Georgia native who came to national prominence in 2004 when he competed in his state’s high school wrestling championships despite being born with no elbows or knees. Maynard recently met with the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission, the state governing body that regulates MMA, and apparently he will go forward with his plan to fight, possibly at a September 14 event in Georgia.
Responding to mixed reactions regarding his decision, Maynard says “I’ve expected for a while that for me to compete under official MMA rules there’d be controversy. Believe it or not, it’s not the first time people have expressed doubt in what I know I’m capable of, and probably won’t be the last.” We’re not sure what will come next with Kyle, but the kid sure has one hell of a great attitude. Best of luck Kyle!
Footage of Maynard at a NAGA (North American Grappling Association) tournament
August 6th, 2007 at 2:36 pm
I guess you can forget about getting him in an armbar or leglock. He’s got balls, I’ve give that.
August 6th, 2007 at 2:59 pm
Did he just arm triangle that boy? His passes were frickin awesome. Granted, he had a definitive advantage that no one’s guard can really hold him. But still…
August 6th, 2007 at 4:06 pm
Do we know that for sure?
If his other extremities were absent at birth, his balls may also be absent.