Beginning his professional career in 2007, Court McGee racked up a 9-1 record prior to auditioning to appear on Season 11 of The Ultimate Fighter. His only loss was to experienced veteran Jeremy Horn by Decision, and he counted TUF 9 finalist DaMarques Johnson among his victims. After being eliminated in a close Split Decision loss on the show, McGee was given a second chance when another cast member was injured and forced out of the competition. He made the most of it, battling his way to the live finale on June 19, 2010, where he defeated Kris McCray with a Rear Naked Choke to win the tournament and the UFC contract.

A talented and relentless wrestler and submission fighter, McGee utilizes his technical boxing skills to trade with his opponents on the feet before seizing the opportunity to take the fight to the ground, where his physical strength and tenacity forces his opponent into a battle of wills that McGee usually wins. McGee’s win of TUF 11 was highly emotional, as the fighter has struggled with drug addiction and various personal issues for much of his life, and he has spoken passionately about wanting to be a role model to others who struggle with their own personal demons.

McGee would pick up wins over Ryan Jensen and Dongi Yang at middleweight before dropping two straight to Costa Philippou and Nick Ring. McGee would then decide to drop down a weight class after the two losses. He would pick up his first win at welterweight with a decision over Josh Neer and then follow it up with another decision win over Ultimate Fighter winner Robert Whittaker.

The Ultimate Fighter 11

Episode 1 McGee def. Seth Baczynski by Unanimous Decision

Episode 6 Nick Ring def. McGee by Majority Decision

*Episode 8 McGee def. James Hammortree by Guillotine Choke at 0:28 of Round 2

Episode 11 McGee def. Brad Tavares by Rear Naked Choke at 4:45 of Round 3

The Ultimate Fighter 11 Finale Mcgee def. Kris McCray by Rear Naked Choke at 3:41 of Round 2

*Rich Attonito withdrew from competition and Dana White gave McGee his spot