Court McGee has reached yet another milestone in his recovery from drug addiction.
McGee (19-9 MMA, 7-8 UFC), who won Season 11 of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality series and has been part of the UFC roster for nearly a decade, hit 14 years of sobriety this week. “The Crusher” has twice overdosed in his life, but was able to turn his corner for the better and thrive as an MMA fighter.
Moreover, McGee has used his story and platform to assist others. He’s taken a prominent role as a public speaker, and in reflecting on his anniversary, was appreciative of that aspect of his recovery (via Instagram):
Grateful for my dark past, the willingness to face and correct my mistakes , and more importantly, the ability to convert them into assets. Today I celebrate 14 years of sobriety.
When speaking to MMA Junkie about his recovery back in 2015, McGee explained why he felt it was important to share his message with others who may be experiencing the same hardships he’s endured.
“I know there are millions and millions of people out there that don’t think there’s a way out,” McGee said. “When I compete, if somehow they hear a little bit of my story and it gives them some inspiration to make the next right decision, whether it’s to not use or – it doesn’t matter. I fight, and I fight for recovery.”
McGee, 35, hasn’t competed since October, when he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Sean Brady. He’s dropped four of his past five bouts overall, with his most recent win coming at UFC Fight Night 138 in October 2018.