Gray Maynard to Make Featherweight Debut at ‘The Ultimate Fighter 23’ Finale

Two-time lightweight title challenger Gray Maynard will make his 145-pound Octagon debut on July 8 at "The Ultimate Fighter 23” finale against Fernando Bruno.

A promotion official confirmed the matchup Thursday following an initial report from the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The “TUF 23” finale takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on July 8 and is headlined by a strawweight title tilt between Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Claudia Gadelha.

In 2011, Maynard battled Frankie Edgar to a draw in a featherweight title bout at UFC 125 before suffering a fourth-round knockout loss to “The Answer” in another championship clash at UFC 136. Maynard has fallen on hard times of late, however, losing his last four bouts — including three by technical knockout.

Bruno, meanwhile, made his first promotional foray at UFC 190, where he was submitted in the third round by Glaico Franca. The 34-year-old Brazilian is 15-3 in his pro career, including eight triumphs via tapout.