MMA Quick Hits 6/21/10: Batista to Strikeforce, McGee’s dream fulfilled

1. Court McGee is your Ultimate Fighter: In a very exciting match, Court McGee finished fellow cast mate Kris McCray in the second round via Rear Naked Choke. McGee, a former heroin addict, had a long hard road to recovery and always envisioned this moment. An emotional McGee succumb to his feelings during his acceptance speech, dedicating the win to everyone who is struggling in life, his parents, and Chuck Liddell. I think it’s a great story and I couldn’t be more happy for him, and I don’t even know the guy. But combating a drug addiction, getting your life together, and now winning the TUF 11 Finale is an amazing story. Congrats on a well deserved win, Court.

2. Fight Night bonuses for TUF 11 Finale handed out: The following fighters took home $25,000 fight night bonuses from Saturday night’s Ultimate Fighter 11 Finale- Knockout of the Night went to Chris Leben, Submission of the Night went to Court McGee, and Fight of the Night was Hamill/Jardine. I think all were deserved except Leben. Leben didn’t knock him out. You will never convince me of that. Sorry. He might have, but he didn’t.

3. 8-man tournament for Strikeforce title: according to Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker, who told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that he has not yet extended a new contract offer to the middleweight champion. “We didn’t say this is what the number is,” he said. “They came at us with a number, and we thought it was a much different number than what we thought was realistic.” On the likelihood of Shields continuing with Strikeforce, Coker said, “If you were to ask me today, I think we’ll be throwing a tournament. That’s my personal opinion.” And that’s what we call a no-brainer ladies and gentlemen. Even if Strikeforce decides to match the money Shileds wants, Shields will still go to the UFC. Strikeforce would have to offer him something like double what the UFC will in order for Jake to even think about staying. So start the tournament.

4. Varner vs. Shalorus ends in a draw: To the shock of many watching Sunday night at WEC 49, MMA judges decided that the main event would end in a draw. Shalorus would land some low blows, netting him a -1 on the judges scorecards, yet somehow he still managed to win the fight in the eyes of one judge. I find this decision absolutely ridiculous. Shalorus should’ve been deducted another point for that last low blow after he was already deducted one for consecutive low blows. And how one judge gave the fight to Shalorus 29-27 is beyond me. Really? You thought Shalorus won all three rounds? Please.

5. Batista headed to Strikeforce: According to TMZ, former WWE superstar Batista is heading to Strikeforce to try his hand at MMA. Strikeforce spokesperson Mike Afromowitz has told MMAJunkie that Batista “definitely has not signed” with Strikeforce. Dave Meltzer adds that Batista is training for MMA and did talk to Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker. All I can say is, awesome. Don’t know how good Batista will be, but the man is a beast. He’s 6’6″ 290lbs of steel. Sure, he’s 41 years old, but if he implements a Randy Couture-like gameplan he’ll have a few years in the sport. Of course, it all remains to be seen if he even makes it inside a cage.