© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

WKAR Sports content is reported by Sports Journalism students in the School of Journalism at Michigan State University.

WATCH: Retired Michigan State wrestling star Gray Maynard builds future training Lansing-area MMA students

Ethan Hunter

Maynard made a name for himself in the UFC, and now wants to offer the same opportunity path for aspiring fighters.

UFC has been growing as a brand since the start of the century, and with the increased interest, MMA gyms have become more popular across the country. In Lansing, kids and adults with a taste for the mat can take classes from a UFC legend.

Gray Maynard was a wrestler at Michigan State before he starred in The Ultimate Fighter and kicked off his career in the octagon. Now he’s back in Mid-Michigan with his wife Jessica, a former MSU field hockey player and their two kids Stella and Gio, with a new purpose focused in fitness.

WKAR has closed the gap left by the loss of federal funding. Because of you, trusted journalism, inspiring stories, and classical music remain freely available to everyone in mid-Michigan.
Now the work continues — your monthly gift helps maintain this success and keeps public media free for all.