Despite debate, Maynard set for mixed martial arts bout

Denied a license to cage fight in Georgia because of his lack of arms and legs, Kyle Maynard has turned to a place where there are no regulators to bar his way.

Born with a condition known as congenital amputation —- his arms end above the elbow, his legs end well above the knee —- Maynard is scheduled to make his amateur mixed martial arts debut Saturday night in Auburn, Ala.

Alabama has no athletic commission like the one in Georgia, which turned down Maynard’s license application in 2007.

“I’m just thrilled about it. I wish [the fight] was now. The anticipation is killing me,” Maynard said last week.

Maynard is scheduled to headline an “Auburn Fight Night” card at the Auburn Covered Arena. His fight will be carried online at kylemaynardfight.com for $14.95.

The name of his opponent is being withheld until the weigh-in, said Atlanta-based promoter David Oblas (adding only that he was from Wisconsin and had a 1-1 record). Two potential opponents already had backed out, wary of fighting Maynard and the possible publicity backlash.

“It’s not exactly a win-win situation for someone who wants to fight me,” Maynard said.

Maynard, 23, who won a 2004 ESPY award for Best Athlete with a Disability, wrestled at Collins Hill High School and on a club level at the University of Georgia. A motivational speaker and owner of a gym in Suwanee, he has competed in various jujitsu tournaments and trained in mixed martial arts while awaiting an opportunity to fight.

In competition, Maynard likely will mostly compete from the “down” position, meaning an opponent cannot kick to the head. Kicking to the body, and punching to the head and body is allowed. Maynard has argued that he is able to both deliver blows and protect himself.

His unsuccessful attempt to get licensed in Georgia sparked debate among MMA followers about Maynard’s fitness to fight. The debate has resumed now on various Web sites dedicated to the sport.

“Before, all the negative outcry, all the people who didn’t want to see me do this, it really affected my state of mind,” Maynard said. “I almost wanted to do it just to show people, show society, what’s possible.

“Now, I’ve kind of changed that. The criticism is still there. But for the first time, it’s about me just going out there to do something I love.”