UFC Fight Night 19: Gray Maynard Wins a Split Decision Over Roger Huerta In a Fast-Paced Bout

Xtreme Couture lightweight “Bully” Gray Maynard (8-0)  defeated “El Matador” Roger Huerta (20-3-1) via split decision victory at UFC Fight Night 19 in Oklahoma City Wednesday night.

The opening round set the theme of this fight as a tenacious and fast-paced affair.  The fighters measured one another up with leg kicks and punch flurries.  Huerta threw a healthy dose of lower legs kicks with Maynard answering with an equal helping of overhand right.  A minute in, Maynard attempted a Greco-style clinch, but Huerta escaped. During the exit, Maynard landed a big overhand right punch. Shaking the heavy right hand off, Huerta charged forward.  A second overhand right by Maynard knocked Huerta off balance, landing partially to the ground on one knee. Maynard, a three-time All-American college wrestler seemed more interested in throwing his trademark right hands. Huerta attempted to confuse Maynard’s boxing barrage by continously switching stances to southpaw. But the change of stances by Huerta was no obstacle as Maynard continued to deliver overhand rights with accuracy. Maynard followed his pinpoint right hand shots with a heavy left punch. With the clock ticking down and Maynard in momentum, suddenly “The Matador” caught “The Bully” in a furious exchange. Maynard visibly shaken bravely stayed in the fight charging back into the mix. Maynard grabbed a single leg and attempted a takedown but Huerta stuffed it pushing off the cage followed by a flurry of punches to the head of Maynard.

The second round began quickly with no measuring or calculations on the part of either fighter.  Huerta opened with a combination head and leg kicks.  Maynard answered with a solid right hook.  Maynard threw a heavy left overhand that missed opening the door for Huerta to answer with a fast flurry of left and right punch combinations.  Maynard countered with a strong left and right flurry of his own.  Huerta landed another lower leg kick but Maynard caught his willing opponent with yet another another heavy overhand right punch. Maynard suddenly shifted into stalking mode and buckled Huerta with a powerful straight jab.  But in exciting fashion, Huerta shook off the sting of Maynard’s jab and moved forward.  Huerta landed a leg kick as Maynard answered with a tough right hook.  Mayanrd seemingly in command of the momentum again landed a brief clinch tagging Huerta with a knee to the chin.  Maynard, moving forward in determination, pounded Huerta with another of his trademark overhand right punches.  Huerta answered by rushing forward with a fast flurry of punches backing Maynard into the fence.

The fight seemed really close on the cards and still quite fast paced as the final round began.  Maynard landed a bombing overhand right to Huerta’s jaw just as Maynard’s own nose began to spout blood from the three rounds of back-and-forth bruising.  Maynard rushed in for a double leg takedown and powerfully slammed Huerta to the floor. Maynard suddenly on top of a kneeling Huerta landed a few hammerfists for good measure.  Maynard sprawled in an attempt to win top-control over Huerta.  Huerta battled to foil Maynard’s wrestling superiority.  Scrambling, Huerta bravely avoided being taken down.  In the midst of Huerta’s respectable defense, Maynard suddenly grabbed a very strong Kimura from half guard.  Huerta in trouble from the submission hold tenaciously scrambled forcing Maynard to roll over on his back.  But Maynard refused to let go of the Kimura.  Huerta, still in visible trouble but refusing to tap out, landed some short shots to the ribs of Maynard.  Huerta scrambled again to avoid being pinned while Maynard continued to bully Huerta like his namesake.  Huerta eventually escaped to an upright clinch but Maynard landed some tough Greco-style punches to Huerta’s chin as the final bell rang.