In the days leading up to his fight with Nate Diaz at UFC Fight Night 20, I was able to sit down with Gray "The Bully" Maynard and discuss a range of subjects including his love of Bull Terriers, being teammates with Rashad Evans, grappling with the Prodigy, the politics of The Ultimate Fighter, and his obsession with video games and comedies.

Maynard wrestled alongside former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans at Michigan State University. He was redshirted in his freshman year. In 2001, he placed eighth at the NCAA Division I Collegiate Wrestling Championship in the 157 lb weight class. In 2002 and 2003, he placed seventh. The performance earned the MSU co-captain All-American honors for the third time in his collegiate career. Upon graduation, Maynard ranked 11th all-time in MSU history with 106 career wins and 7th with 26 falls.

Maynard has recorded one of the fastest knockouts in UFC history at nine seconds against Joe Veres, and is currently the only fighter to hold a win over UFC lightweight standout Frank Edgar. Through the course of our discussion one thing became very evident, Gray Maynard is a humble professional with a singular focus of improving all aspects of his game. The Bully's tireless work ethic and dedication to the sport ensure that he is destined for great things in both MMA and life.

FiveKnuckles.com: How did you get the nickname "The Bully"?

Gray Maynard: There are two reasons really. One is because I own Bull Terriers, which are called "Bully's", and my male dog is a rescue I got in college. He's the original "Bully", he's not nice to other dogs at all.

Secondly, I got the name because of my work ethic and competitive drive. I'm a nice guy, but when it comes to training or competing, I take it very seriously and do what I got to do to get better and win!!

FiveKnuckles.com: You had a tremendous amateur wrestling career in both high school and Michigan State University (MSU), what is it about wrestling that has helped you in your MMA career?

Gray Maynard: I think wrestling is a great sport for all around fitness and also it teaches you how to use and coordinate your whole body, which makes it easier to learn other sports involved with MMA. Most importantly it teaches work ethic, which can be transferred to anything you do in life.

FiveKnuckles.com: You wrestled at MSU with Rashad Evans, how was he as a teammate?

Gray Maynard: Rashad is a great friend and great teammate. We were very competitive with each other in the practice room. Every time we would go against one another we knew it was going to be very intense. But, that's what you look for in a good teammate, someone to push you to get better. Outside of the practice room we were really good friends. He was always my roommate on every trip we took as a team. We knew each other's routine as far as cutting weight and training, so it always went smooth preparing for our competitions.

FiveKnuckles.com: Was it Rashad's success on the Ultimate Fighter that got you interested in a MMA career or did you already have your sights set on a career as a pro fighter?

Gray Maynard: No, it was in my sights before that. I made an effort to make the Olympic wrestling team in 2004, but wasn't able to make it happen....