The Ultimate Fighter 11 Finale Preview

Court McGee vs. Kris McCray

“The Ultimate Fighter” has always made for unexpected results, but perhaps no finale in the show’s history was as unexpected as the one we’ll see this Saturday. After all, both McGee and McCray lost fights during the 11th season’s tournament and neither entered the season regarded as highly as fellow cast mates such as Nick Ring and Kyle Noke.

However, both men put together impressive performances on the show and actually make for a fun style clash. McCray made his name with a well-rounded ground game that is equal parts striking and grappling while McGee has shown sharp hands and a penchant for catching unexpected submissions. Where this fight will be won and lost will depend largely on whether McGee can stop McCray’s takedowns.

Despite not having much of a wrestling background, McGee is a surprisingly sound wrestler who uses underhooks exceptionally well to stuff takedowns. Compare that with McCray, who tries to work a power wrestling game but lacks the technical polish to make it work consistently. Considering the juice he puts into those takedown attempts, it may only take a few failed tries for his gas tank to start feeling the strain.

Whether McCray is forced to battle it out on the feet or work his guard, he’ll be fighting a losing battle in both cases. Defense just isn’t his specialty. McGee jumps all over any openings he can get, and that’s not good for McCray, who has poor defensive boxing skills and the bad habit of leaving his neck exposed in transitions. Those won’t go by unnoticed, and even if McCray can put some offense together, it may just be a matter of time before McGee’s superior technique takes over.

While McCray has stopped opponents in every one of his professional bouts, his time on “TUF” showed his finishing ability doesn’t translate very well against better-equipped competition. The ability to finish fights is a supremely important skill at this level, and McGee has the edge in that department. I have no doubts that McCray will make this an entertaining fight, but McGee will eventually put him away and finish his improbable journey from drug-addict to Ultimate Fighter.