This is a guest feature by Duane Finley.

UFC number one lightweight contender Gray Maynard is a quiet storm. A force of nature, fierce, violent and despite every opponent’s preparation there has yet to be one who has figured out how to stop him. An elite list of victims line his resume and while every fighter takes a different road, Maynard has cut his path through rock and bone taking on the division’s best while keeping his perfect record intact. His most recent victory came over perennial contender Kenny Florian as Maynard battered and punished “Kenflo” in front of his hometown crowd at UFC 118.

Known as one of the most successful finishers in the sport, Florian was left trigger shy when facing Maynard’s versatility as Gray kept him consistently off balance and out of range. The victory in Boston earned Gray Maynard the right to fight for a title he has envisioned for years and when he steps in for his chance he will see a familiar face across the octagon in current champion Frankie Edgar.

“The Answer” has felt the power of Gray Maynard’s relentless will and determination and in their first meeting Maynard over powered the previously unbeaten Edgar to win a unanimous decision victory. Now…after both men have continued to forge ahead towards the top of the division ultimately their paths will cross again at UFC 125 on January 1st in Las Vegas Nevada. For Gray Maynard that night will culminate countless hours of tireless dedication and with the fight less than two months away Maynard patiently awaits his opportunity. In his first interview since signing the championship bout Gray Maynard sat down with Duane Finley and in this Bloody Elbow Exclusive discusses what the opportunity to fight for the title means to him.

“I have been in camp going on six weeks. I hired a coach named Luke and he’s the head strength coach for Jacksonville Jaguars. He also helps out (Jean) Pascal, who just defeated Chad Dawson. What he does is organize the camp and puts together a great plan for you as far as strength, conditioning and cardio. He helps bring it all into a solid camp and that’s a big help. On paper it looks easy, jumping from camp to camp to do certain aspects of your training but it isn’t. He took the reigns and made sure all of that was taken care of. Of course I have Gil Martinez as my coach so I have kept it pretty much all the same but I did add Luke and I think it’ll pay off.”

After a strong showing on the fifth season of “The Ultimate Fighter” Gray stormed onto the UFC scene in proper fashion with a lighting quick knockout of Joe Verdes. His momentum has not slowed as he has consistently faced the toughest in his division and with the title now in his sights everything is coming into focus.

“Obviously it means a lot. Mainly it’s one step closer to the ultimate goal which is getting that belt and holding onto it. That’s my goal. Maybe some people are happy just to have a chance at it but I’m here to win and here to hold onto it,” Maynard said.

When Frankie Edgar upset B.J. Penn, who at the time was considered to be the best lightweight fighter in the world, the ranks of the division were shaken up. Edgar’s repeat performance in Boston in addition to Maynard sending Florian back down the ladder further proved a changing of the guard was in process and a new era of lightweight was breaking through. When Edgar and Maynard meet again at UFC 125 the winner will not only emerge as the champion but may also carry the flag for the future of the division.

Gray talks more about the new breed of fighters and more CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE