Kyle Maynard

Kyle Maynard is 23-year-old Georgia man who was born with a rare disorder called congenital amputation, causing him to have no elbows or knees. Despite his handicap, Maynard wrestled throughout high school, continues to wrestle in college and set his sights on the world of mixed martial arts. Maynard will make his mixed martial arts debut at an event at the Auburn Covered Arena in Alabama on April 25, 2005.Montgomery Advertiser: Amputee battles controversy over fight (April 23, 2009)

Many people feel that because of Maynard's disability he should not be allowed to fight in mixed martial arts events where he may not be able to properly defend himself. Maynard has, in fact, been denied licenses to compete in similar events in the past. The Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission, which regulates mixed martial arts events in the state, refused to grant Maynard a license to compete in an event in Atlanta in 2007. Some have speculated that Maynard is only being allowed to compete in Alabama because the state lacks a governing body to oversee its boxing and mixed martial arts events. This has led some to some to fear that Maynard's presence in the competition is a gimmick to sell tickets to the event.Montgomery Advertiser: Amputee battles controversy over fight (April 23, 2009)