Sherdog’s Top 10: The Ultimate Fighters

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5. Gray Maynard

A three-time collegiate All-American wrestler at Michigan State University, Maynard maintained an undefeated record through his first 12 appearances as a professional mixed martial artist. The Season 5 semifinalist moved quickly in the UFC’s deep lightweight division, armed with powerful takedowns, a heavy top game and developing standup. Consecutive wins over AMA Fight Club ace Jim Miller, Roger Huerta, Nate Diaz and three-time UFC title contender Kenny Florian propelled Maynard to a world ranking at 155 pounds and set the stage for his unforgettable trilogy with Frankie Edgar. Having already defeated Edgar in 2008, the 32-year-old Phoenix native met “The Answer” again on New Year’s Day in 2011, this time for the lightweight championship. What ensued was five rounds of epic human drama, as Maynard battered the champion throughout a difficult-to-stomach first round, only to see Edgar storm back from behind to force a draw. Equally compelling, their third bout nine months later ended decisively, with Maynard being knocked out in the fourth round. Though he has not fought since, “The Bully” figures to be a source of headaches for his fellow lightweights for years to come.

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