Gray Maynard Focused on Kenny Florian: Title Implications on the Line

As the only man to beat current UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar, it would be more than understandable if Gray Maynard felt a little salty. For it was he who many felt should’ve been in the cage with BJ Penn last month fighting for the title. 

However, staying true to form, Maynard has continued to remain humble and diplomatic about the situation, despite it all. 

“Like I said before, I think it was a timing thing,” Maynard told BumpyKnuckle.com.  “He had been done with his fight since early December and was ready to start a new training camp. I needed to wait to see what they said about my knee; turned out I needed surgery.”

Watching Penn and Edgar throw down, like the rest of the fight fans, Maynard was impressed by Edgar’s movement and ability to keep Penn off balance.

“I think BJ had a hard time finding his range, didn’t cut off the ring, and couldn’t counter punch,” Maynard stated.  “Edgar looked the same, a little more crisp than usual, and he was definitely pumped to be there and took advantage of the opportunity.”

Maynard’s opportunity will come on August 28 when he faces perennial contender Kenny Florian in the UFC’s first trip to Boston. 

Though not confirmed by UFC officials, the winner will likely put himself next in line to challenge for the belt.  But before thinking that far, Maynard says his focus is solely on his training camp and preparing for Florian.

“This is my fifth southpaw in a row, so I’m getting used to these training camps. We are going to make a couple adjustments that are geared towards Kenny’s style and just make sure I’m at 110 percent when I step into the cage with him.”

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