Despite Mixed Results, Maynard Plans to Keep on Fighting

By Ariel Helwani - Video Reporter and Writer

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Kyle Maynard's amateur mixed martial arts debut may have generated a considerable amount of media attention in the days leading up to his fight, but the buzz ended there.

The promoter of the event, David Oblas, told FanHouse earlier Monday that only "around 100 people" purchased the online pay-per-view on Saturday night. 1,200 people attended the fight at the Auburn Covered Arena in Auburn, Ala.

"The pay-per-view was never designed to make money," Oblas said. "It was just for people who wanted to see the fight live."

Maynard (0-1) lost via unanimous decision to Brian Fry (1-2). While many feared that he would be unable to intelligently defend himself due to the fact that he was born with no arms or legs, Maynard survived without sustaining any injuries.

"Everything short of winning the fight," Maynard told FanHouse, "I felt like I really accomplished a lot of what I set out to do: just to prove that I was capable of competing in the sport...I was more mentally and physically prepared for that than anything I had ever competed in my life. It was an awesome experience; I've got no regrets with that."

As of Monday afternoon, Maynard had yet to watch his performance, but he doesn't have to. The 23-year-old already knows what he did wrong.

"I feel like I could have done a lot better job of not shooting from so far out," Maynard said. "I feel like I gave him too much time to react to my shots."

Oblas was disappointed Maynard could not tape his gloves due to the humidity in the arena, because he wanted his debut to be viewed as a legitimate mixed martial arts fight. As a result, Maynard agreed to not strike Fry. Oblas said that Fry did vow to not go easy on Maynard despite the fact that he was not wearing any gloves.

Amazingly, Maynard said he was not nervous before the fight began. In fact, the longtime MMA fan couldn't help but think about how one of his favorite fighters acts just before the bell rings.

"I thought about Randy Couture and how every time he steps in the cage, he's just smiling and having a good time and enjoying the moment," Maynard said. "I felt like I was going to do the exact same thing."

It remains to be seen whether Maynard will seriously pursue a career in mixed martial arts. However, right now, he isn't ready to close the MMA chapter in his life just yet.

"I definitely think that I have a long time (left in the sport)," Maynard said. "I'm sure I will get that bug to compete again."

Oblas, a good friend of Maynard's, also believes that the Maynard's days of competing in MMA aren't over.

"I don't think Kyle is going to go out on a loss," Oblas added. "I don't think we've seen the last of Kyle Maynard in MMA."

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