Greg Maynard Interview

How did you get into fighting, and where do you train?

I got into fighting back in 95 or ’96 in boxing. I train at various different places. Here in my hometown of Williamsville, WV, we have a gym. I travel a lot and I work out in Kentucky and Cincinnati. Mainly my training is in Williamsville, WV.

The Intimidation Cross t-shirt was Greg Maynards walkout shirt for Bellator 30 on September 23rd in Louisville.

Since you are fighting for the first time in the NAAFS, describe your fighting style for the fans that will be watching you this Saturday.

It’s more boxing and kickboxing. I have a little bit of a wrestling background. I didn’t wrestle competitively in school, but for the last 5 years, I’ve trained with guys that were state champ wrestlers and collegiate wrestlers.

With a fight for Bellator under your belt, do you feel confident in stepping into the cage, no matter who the opponent may be?

It didn’t matter to me. I’ve always fought on the lower level circuits, but I’ve always known that I can fight against anybody, anywhere. It’s just a matter of me getting my name out there where they will bring me up to fight. I don’t care. I’ll fight anybody, anywhere, and win, lose, or draw; I’m going to try to make it an exciting fight for the fans. I’m always ready to fight.

At this Saturday’s NAAFS Night of Champions, you’ll be taking on Stipe Miocic of Strong Style. What do you know about Stipe and what do you expect to see from him once you step into the cage?

I don’t know a whole lot other than I’ve seen some video. I know he likes to stand and punch. That’s what I’ve seen. I know he likes to box, and that’s fine with me. I’m sure he’s seen my Bellator fight, but that wasn’t a clean knockout. It was a quick stoppage, but I’m hoping that he thinks that I don’t have a chin, but I can tell you right now that we’ll stand and bang all night if that’s what he wants to do. I have no problem standing in the middle of the cage, trading punches. I know there’s probably a lot of people from the Cleveland area that supports him and thinks he’ll do big things in the sport. I’m sure he will. I have no disrespect for the guy, he goes in and fights hard every time. I have no harsh words towards him, but if they think I’m going to come up there and lay down for him, I’m not. I’m going to stand right in front of him and throw punches.

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Stipe is the hometown fighter and will probably have a great deal of fan support behind him on Saturday. What is your mindset coming into the fight in Stipe’s backyard?

I plan on coming up there and spoiling the party. I know he’s the hometown guy and and the entire place will think that I’m going to lose. Everybody is going to be against me. It isn’t the first time that’s happened for me, and it won’t be the last. I am planning on having a bunch of disappointed people leaving the stadium Saturday night.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank?

I’d like to thank Defense Soap, Cornerstone Investment Group, Fighter’s Guard Management, Small Town Tattoos, Rolling Big Power, and Intimidation Clothing. I’d like to say thanks to all of those people, and Jason Long. These guys have helped me out and I appreciate all of their help.

By Curt Heinrichs
ProFighting-fans.com MMA Staff Writer