Everyone loves Kyle Maynard

A feature in Sports Illustrated, an AP story even Larry King wants to talk to Kyle Maynard. I wouldn't be surprised if in the midst of ESPN's draft coverage Maynard is mentioned.

The press has found their MMA darling and it isn't George St. Pierre, Quinton Jackson, Chuck Liddell, Rashad Evans or Fedor. It is a collegiate wrestler who just happens to be an ESPY winner and a congenital amputee.

Great stories are hard to come by and for journalists looking for that extra feel good story Maynard is the perfect opportunity.

(I can see Rick Reilly having an aneurysm for not being able to cover this story)

Tonight Kyle Maynard will make his MMA debut and you can watch it online for $14.95.

Detractors see this event as nothing but a freak show, no wonder the event is taking place in Alabama then. The promoter has made attempts place the fighters on equal ground; Maynard will be treated as a 'downed' opponent at all times and there will be no elbows allowed. That goes for all the fighters on the entire card.

Some may question why Maynard is even stepping into the cage. I suspect that the lack of a professional wrestling circuit is the real reason why Kyle has decided to try his hand at MMA. He is simply following a tradition started by Mark Coleman. For an individual who has strived for athletic equality his entire life this is just the latest challenge and Maynard deserves his chance.

That is one of the great things about the U.S. is the idea that everyone deserves and equal chance. That is why Title 9, American with Disabilities Act, and the Voting Rights Act all exist.

Any realistic observer will realize that Maynard's chances of winning are slim to none. How will he defend himself from neck chokes or ground-and-pound? Will he even be able to mount an offense? Can he even take an opponent down to use his wrestling skills? Make no mistake Kyle Maynard will lose tonight if his opponent has any MMA training.

This evenings results may be inevitable but it doesn't change the fact that Kyle Maynard is demonstrating tremendous courage. It takes a certain type of bravery to enter something knowing full well you are going to fail.

Let us celebrate an individual who triumphed over extreme adversity just to have a chance at competing.