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Gray Maynard has been a fixture at Xtreme Couture since first discovering mixed martial arts as a training partner for B.J. Penn. In that time "The Bully" has steadily risen to the apex of the sport, earning a spot on "The Ultimate Fighter 5", ripping through an eight-fight win streak in the UFC's deepest division, and twice coming within seconds of claiming the UFC lightweight title.
Now, however, that era appears to be over. According to Xtreme Couture boxing coach Gil Martinez, Maynard has chosen to leave his longtime fight camp for the west coach styling of San Jose's American Kickboxing Academy. Martinez revealed the news on Monday's episode of "The MMA Show" with Mauro Ranallo.
@themmashow
The MMA Show LIVE on @themmashow : @mastermitter tells @mauroranallo@GrayMaynard may move to California to train with @AKASANJOSE . Nothing official yet
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@themmashow
The MMA Show LIVE on @themmashow : @mastermitter tells @mauroranallo it's his opinion @GrayMaynard isn't returning to @xtreme_couture
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@themmashow
The MMA Show LIVE on @themmashow : @mastermitter tells @mauroranallo he is saddened that @GrayMaynard hasn't been more open with his intentions.
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AKA is home to numerous UFC fighters, including former heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez, welterweight contenders Jon Fitch and Josh Koscheck, and former Strikeforce middleweight champion Cung Le.
No official word has come from Maynard at this time. MMA Nation will continue to update this story as it develops.
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