Conditioning is a cornerstone of a great fighter. Court “The Crusher” McGee displayed conditioning, perseverance, and heart in his unanimous decision over Dongi ” The Ox” Yang in a return to the octagon for the TUF season eleven champion.
Prior to the fight, Court dealt with numerous injuries including a total destruction of his knee before entering tonight’s fight. Desire allowed him to push through the obstacles just to make it to tonight. Known for his excellent cardio and conditioning, Court displayed it through-out the fight.
As with his TUF Season Eleven fights, the action started slow, however Yang initiated pushing the action forward. McGee showed his technical boxing background with his disciplined punching, however he wasn’t able to connect early in the fight. Yang also wasn’t able to connect with his patented right hook early on as the crowd grew restless with the lack of significant action.
The action picked up when Yang connected with a right hook that dazed McGee. However, Court clinched and fought through and regained his composure. He turned the scramble into an opportunity to get in some dirty boxing and took control of the fight. The training with weight vest and high altitude in Utah helped tremendously toward the apex of the fight as Yang was visibly tired. If the fight lasted any longer, Yang would’ve definitely been submitted or even knocked out.
For future fights, Yang definitely should be more offensive in his approach instead of using counter-punching. This strategy doesn’t bode well against technical strikers. McGee, who will most likely move up in competition, should try to start his fights faster and more aggressive. Waiting on the fight to come to him will undoubtedly backfire sooner than later.
By Bleacher Report’s Antwyn Jackson