It's not the best comeback he's ever posted, but Court McGee was ecstatic to pick up a huge MMA win and move into the next phase of his life by beating Kris McCray to win "The Ultimate Fighter 11 Finale" Saturday night.
McGee, who won a well-chronicled battle over a heroin addiction and came back from an early loss during the season, is now due a six-figure contract from the UFC after taking out McCray via submission at 3:41 of the second round at the Palms in Las Vegas.
McGee (10-1, 1-0 UFC) was just the sixth pick by coach Chuck Liddell and 12th overall. He suffered a controversial loss to Nick Ring during the round of 16 on TUF 11. When an injury to Rich Attonito opened up a slot in the quarters, he immediately asked UFC president Dana White to give him a second chance.
McGee's drive and determination should surprise nobody. The 25-year-old hit rock bottom when he was just 19. On a September day in 2005, McGee overdosed on heroin. Medics were called in and he was pronounced clinically dead. He was eventually revived and his fight to kick drugs continued.�
"I want to dedicate this fight to anyone who is struggling today," said an emotional McGee.
McGee went to rehab and relapsed several times before kicking his destructive habit in the middle of 2007.�
He turned out to be the most well-rounded fighter on the show. His power in the clinch simply overwhelmed McCray (5-1, 0-1 UFC). He scored three takedowns in the first round and set up the finish with two big takedowns in the second. McGee quickly turned the second takedown into a precarious position for McCray. From side control, McGee worked towards a choke and finally got it when he flattened out McCray a bit. Referee Steve Mazzagatti had no choice but to stop the fight.�
Update: McGee, who probably made somewhere between $12,000-$16,000 for the win itself, also got a $25,000 bonus for submission of the night.�
Carrie Underwood
Dania Ramirez
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