Remember when Gray Maynard took on Frankie Edgar for the lightweight belt in back-to-back title fights in 2011?
He absolutely dwarfed the Answer inside the Octagon because, although Edgar was a particularly small 155 lber, Maynard was one of the bigger lightweights on the roster at the time.
After completing his epic trilogy with Edgar, Maynard scored a split decision win over fan-favourite Clay Guida before going on a four-fight skid losing to TJ Grant, Nate Diaz, Ross Pearson and Alexander Yaklovev respectively.
Having not tasted victory inside the cage in over three years, Maynard decided it was time for a change, so he dropped down to 145 lbs in 2016. He scored a unanimous decision victory over Fernando Bruno in his featherweight debut at the TUF 23 Finale and he’s set for his sophomore bout in the division at the TUF 24 Finale where he takes on BJJ black belt Ryan Hall.
Both fighters made weight at the early weigh-ins on Friday. Hall tipped the scales at 145 lb on the button while Maynard came in 0.5 lbs heavier. However, while their weights were similar, their appearances certainly were not as Maynard looked considerably more dehydrated than his opponent.
https://twitter.com/jedigoodman/status/804767278541615105
https://twitter.com/MMAStateOfMind/status/804748519592566784
The UFC recently adopted the early weigh-ins in order to allow fighters more time to rehydrate and recover from the weight cut before fight night. Under the new policy fighters are also encouraged to be no more than 8% heavier than their weight class limit at the start of fight week, while the UFC also monitor daily weight, vitals and hydration levels during fight week. Although the use of IVs as a means of rehydration after weigh-ins is now banned.
Maynard did look a bit more filled out at the ‘just-for-show’ weigh-ins later that day, but not before he became the talk of Twitter for his worryingly emaciated appearance.
https://twitter.com/mookiealexander/status/804783836324360192
Here's part of Gray Maynard stepping on the scales. Not sure where the rest of him has gone, mind. https://t.co/QOsqHHLAgf
— Tom Craze (@TomCraze) December 2, 2016
https://twitter.com/Nahmles/status/804774740032294912
-Jesus, how gaunt does Gray Maynard look? https://t.co/kN1VR5hjDl
— Combat Vision MMA (@indepen_scot) December 2, 2016
Gray Maynard looks like death and Tim Elliott is going to get absolutely destroyed. Out of his depth
— Daryl Chumbley (@Dzlr69) December 2, 2016
https://twitter.com/Donvegaaa/status/804820827736637442
Gray Maynard channeling his inner Christian Bale in The Machinist https://t.co/2SumEh6oml
— Niall (@NiallOC_) December 2, 2016
WTF who the fuck is that cos that ain't Gray Maynard https://t.co/E7EZFgCd0l
— Sanemi 🇯🇲 (@TheTurin27) December 2, 2016
