What’s in a Name?

We are often asked, how did he get the name Gray? Why is he called “The Bully?” We turned to Gray’s Father, Jan (pictured above with Gray), for insight.

Jan Maynard explained: Gray is his middle name. His name is Bradley Gray Maynard. I had always loved and participated in high school and college Wrestling. One of the greatest wrestlers at that time was Gray Simons. He attended Lock Haven State in Pennsylvania, and was a 4 time Collegiate Champion and 4 time Outstanding wrestler. “The little gentleman” from Virginia, as he was referred to, was simply a joy to behold when wrestling. Naming my Son Gray, was a small gesture of appreciation for the sheer pleasure that Gray Simons brought to the wrestling community at that time.

The two Grays had the opportunity to meet at a Camp for young wrestlers where Simons was a Coach. When Gray became an All American for the third time, Gray Simons was in attendance.

Grays UFC handle, the Bully, was bestowed upon him by his teammates at Xtreme Couture. Gray was so tenacious in his training and workouts that Randy and the team began referring to him as “The Bully”. And in reviewing his UFC fights to date, “The Bully” approach is what Gray is all about. Incidentally, Gray has two Bull Terrier Dogs, Bullies as they are nicknamed.  The likeness of Gray’s oldest dog, Hank, is displayed on his UFC apparel.

The name Bully and the real Gray are a stark contrast. He is as conservative as a “gray” suit. He enjoys a bit of intellectual stimulation for his “gray” matter. Like the names or not, Gray “The Bully” is shaking up the UFC Lightweight Division. Leading up to Fight Night 20, Fairfax, VA Jan 11 on Spike TV we can expect Gray with no trash talk and a humble, hard working gentleman. Be assured though, as Nate Diaz enters the Cage, he will definitely be facing “The Bully.”