Gan McGee (born November 20, 1976) is an American mixed martial artist who has competed for the UFC, PRIDE, WEC and the XFC. Background McGee was born in Bismarck, North Dakota to Marguerite McGee (nee Ohde) and Curtis Warren McGee. McGee dominated on the wrestling team at Ukiah High School and then continued his career at the University of Iowa and California Polytechnic State University. Career McGee debuted with the UFC at UFC 28 on November 17, 2000. He faced fellow debutant Josh Barnett. He lost the fight via TKO in the second round. McGee returned to the UFC in 2002 after a short stint in WEC where he won two fights. His return fight was against Pedro Rizzo at UFC 39 on September 27, 2002. He won via TKO after Rizzo was unable to continue past the first round. His next fight was against Alexandre Dantas at UFC 41 on February 28, 2003. He won via TKO in the first round. On September 26, 2003, McGee earned a shot at the UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 44: Undisputed against 6 ft. 8 in. Tim Sylvia in a match that was dubbed "The Battle of the Giants." McGee lost this fight via TKO in the first round. After the fight, Tim Sylvia tested positive for steroids during a mandatory post-fight drug test and was stripped of his title. Even though his opponent was caught using performance-enhancing drugs, the UFC denied McGee a rematch for the championship. As a result, McGee lost his passion for fighting. "Tim Sylvia is a great fighter and the video tape doesn't lie, he beat the hell out of me," said McGee from his San Luis Obispo training camp. "Did the steroids make a difference? Different people have different theories, I guess. But for me, what hurt the most was sacrificing absolutely everything I had to finally achieve my dream of becoming a world champion, and then falling short. And when it became clear that UFC wasn't going to consider me for a second title shot, my entire world collapsed. I felt like a part of me had just died. It was beyond devastating." Gan McGee then left UFC and joined the Japan-based PRIDE MMA organization. He lost his two fights with the organization via decision and armbar. But, by his own admission, his heart was no longer in the fight game: "Culturally and personally, being