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Getbig Misc Discussion Boards => Mixed Martial Arts (MMA/UFC) => Topic started by: SinCitysmallGUY on April 01, 2009, 09:11:19 PM
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Kyle Maynard is an inspiration to many. He has battled through this disability in which he was born missing his arms from his elbows down and his legs from his knees down. He has overcome this disability showing his courage, heart and desire on the wrestling mats and through life in general. He went 35-16 as a senior in high school. He then moved on to compete for the University of Georgia's club wrestling team. He has been in the national spotlight before winning an espy for the best athlete with a disability in 2004.
Now that his wrestling career is over Kyle is looking to make the move to Mixed Martial Arts. He first tried to fight in his home state of Georgia but was denied by the athletic commission. Now he has left that in the past to make is amateur MMA debut in Georgia's neighboring state, Alabama. Alabama currently doesn't have a commission sactioning MMA. Kyle will be making his debut at "Auburn Fight Night." His oppenent has not been named yet.
I think this is one of the most absurd things I have ever seen in MMA or any sport for that matter. I can see Kyle wrestling even with his disability although it puts him at a tremendous disadvantage, but MMA is not wrestling. Kyle will not be able to connect on punches or kicks. He will not be able to defend himself from punches or kicks which is my biggest fear for him. His only chance will be to take the fight to the ground. Even if he does get the fight to the ground he will have to soley rely on wrestling and limited submissions. I personally would never allow this man to compete in a MMA bout. It is not fair for him and it is not fair for his oppenent. How would you like to be the guy known for beating up on a guy with no arms or legs? I think whoever put this event together and is allowing Kyle Maynard to compete on this card should be fired, and never allowed to put on another MMA show. We have athletic commissions not allowing Tim Sylvia to box Ray Mercer as they see one figher at to big of a disadvantage to another. On the other hand though, we have guys out in this world allowing a congenital amputee to step foot in to a MMA bout. This makes no sense to me and I don't see anything good coming out of it.
I have all the respect in the world for Kyle Maynard as he is one of the most courageous and inspirational athletes in the world today but I do not like the fact that some promotion is willing to put his well being and saftey at risk to draw attention to his show. I have no problem with Kyle being able to train in a controlled enviroment and I know he is free to do what he chooses but MMA is not a sport for a congenital amputee. What do you guys think?
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Here is Kyle's personal take on his upcoming fight and being able to defend himself.
The first question that I receive from everyone is do I fear for my safety while fighting in the cage? Absolutely not. Despite my lack of limbs I can protect myself just as much as the average fighter. I have been preparing for this fight for years and I cannot wait for Saturday, April 25 to arrive. There is no challenge and no goal that I have worked as hard for as this one. I would like to thank all of my family, friends and training partners for their support as I enter the last 30 days of my training camp."
— Kyle Maynard
However I think of this as a boxer who is all fucked up and still wanting to fight.. Ala Ray Mercer,Holyfield, Foreman, Coleman, Etc... they are all to old and cant defend themselves.. This kid has no arms or legs(from the knee down) how does anyone honestly think he can defend himself. To many issues that come into play and would make this tough to judge or ref. What is considered as him being down? Can you kick to the head? What if his opponent picks him up and slams him? How does he tap and what if he is squirming and it looks like he taps? The list goes on and on.. This should not be allowed to happen. I understand that the kid has dreams and goals, but MMA should not be one of them!
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He's got guts and he's inspirational but I mean cmon reality has to factor in also. Are there any green berets in wheelchairs, or paraplegics doing porn?
Unless hes fighting other amputees, he shouldn't be allowed to step into the ring for MMA.
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He's got guts and he's inspirational but I mean cmon reality has to factor in also. Are there any green berets in wheelchairs, or paraplegics doing porn?
Unless hes fighting other amputees, he shouldn't be allowed to step into the ring for MMA.
Agreed. This kid is going to get hurt.
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He is really inspirational....... but how is he going to punch or kick in MMA?? ???
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I'd just stand back at a distance and stomp him till he stopped moving...
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I'd just stand back at a distance and stomp him till he stopped moving...
Could you imagine this guy v. Wand like 10 years ago in Pride. He would soccer kicked to hell and back.
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Could you imagine this guy v. Wand like 10 years ago in Pride. He would soccer kicked to hell and back.
better yet imagine mirko giving him a low leg kick. lol it will be like mini me in austin powers