Unbeaten challenger intent on walking out of UFC 136 as a champion
Gray Maynard has been thinking about tomorrow night for the last 280 days.
That’s a long time to think about one thing and one thing only, but for Maynard, it’s just another detail on his mission to become the best lightweight in the world. The mission comes to an end at UFC 136, as Maynard once again steps into the cage with Frankie Edgar, the UFC lightweight championship awaiting the victor.
His first attempt to claim UFC gold resulted in an unsatisfying draw. Despite being consider one of the year’s best fights, the sting of the decision remains fresh in his mind. Next came the injuries that removed both fighters from their scheduled bout at UFC 130. With a third showdown with Edgar only hours away, the goal of becoming UFC lightweight champion is once again within Maynard’s reach.
“It’s to the point now where everything that needs to be said has pretty much been said. I feel my performance spoke for itself in January, and then again before that in our first fight. Every time there is a main event they look for a story line and it’s there plain and simple.
“Everybody knows he’s going to be prepared and I’m going to be ready, and those are always the best fights. As far as the talking goes, Edgar is a good guy, but he has the belt and I’m going to do everything in my power to take that away from him.”
Since 2008, Maynard has spent eight rounds inside of the cage with Edgar. While this type of familiarity is rare in MMA, he has kept on the grind, motivated, hungry to fulfill his dream of becoming world champion.
“Getting that much time inside of the cage and in camp helps you become more calculated in your preparation. I know what his tendencies are, then you make adjustments based on the things you need to do better. My first camp for the fight at UFC 130 was good up until the injuries, but now I’m feeling good and ready to go. Anytime after I prepare correctly I feel great. I’m confident and now it’s keeping things on an even keel until the fight.
“I have a big task ahead of me and my focus is on this fight. When I prepare, it’s intense; I put the blinders on, and the best thing I can do for me and everyone involved in this sport is to be prepared.
“I’m on mission; it’s head down, eyes on the prize and full steam ahead. I’ve had the blinders on; this is a huge opportunity and I’m going 110-percent. With my last time in the cage with him ending in a draw and not a win, I couldn’t be any more motivated.”
The trilogy bout between Edgar and Maynard rests at the top of one of the best fight cards of the year. In addition to the high profile UFC 136 will draw, the UFC has attached another Fan Expo to the bill. While Maynard says it’s all work he is happy to do, trash talk with Edgar isn’t on his radar.
“I work for a company that is unbelievable with the PR they do. I do anything they ask me. Once I get done with it, then I get back to hitting training as hard as I possibly can. It’s part of the business of this sport, so this week I’ll do some PR, keep the weight down and then hold back until I can let it all loose inside of the cage on Saturday. I’ve been *@%$ing dying to get back in the Octagon for this fight.
“This fight isn’t about a lot of talk: it is two guys who want to win at all costs. Two guys who have prepared and are willing to go at any length to win.”
For those who know him best, Maynard is as authentic and as genuine as they come. something that shines through when he talks bout what winning the title would mean for him.
“To win the title for me would mean that I have reached a goal. Then the next step is to hold on to it. I’ve been involved in sports for a long time now, and once you reach a goal, you get the pat on the back and then it’s on to the next.
“If you’re a guy like me, then once a challenge is conquered, you are moving right along to the next guy. The camp starts the day after. It doesn’t matter if I’m hurt from the fight, I’m already thinking about how I’m going to change things up the next time around.
“As far as goals go, the UFC lightweight title is a huge one. I think about the people who have given up so much and have stuck by me throughout this long journey. My parents, my girl — everyone who has been right there and supported me as I go after this title — I feel I owe it to them. It’s been a long road and I haven’t always been the easiest to be around because I get so focused on the task in front of me. I owe it to them to get that title.”
With a win on Saturday night, Maynard would become the champion of what has become the most competitive division in all of mixed martial arts, something that has Maynard excited for the future.
“I think our weight class is the best in the world, and I have a lot of fun ahead of me. It’s going to be a party.”