Antonio McKee

Antonio De Carlo McKee[1] (born March 12, 1970) is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Lightweight division and is the former Maximum Fighting Championship Lightweight Champion. He has also competed in the UFC, the Tokyo Sabres in the IFL, Dream, K-1 Hero's, King of the Cage, World Fighting Alliance, World Series of Fighting and is currently signed to Bellator MMA.

Antonio McKee
Born (1970-03-12) March 12, 1970
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Other namesMandingo
ResidenceLong Beach, California, United States
NationalityAmerican
Height5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Weight167 lb (76 kg; 11.9 st)
DivisionLightweight
StyleWrestling, Judo, BJJ, Kickboxing, Boxing, Karate,
Fighting out ofLakewood, California, United States
TeamBodyShop Fitness Team
Rank  Brown belt in Judo
Years active1999-present
Mixed martial arts record
Total38
Wins30
By knockout5
By submission4
By decision21
Losses6
By knockout2
By submission1
By decision3
Draws2
Other information
Notable relativesA.J. McKee, son
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Background

McKee was born in Las Vegas, Nevada and lived in Nashville, Tennessee, Dayton, Ohio, and South Central Los Angeles as his mother was a traveling entertainer. McKee did not know who his father was and McKee himself had a troubled upbringing as he was a victim of molestation, was homeless, and was in and out of jail, before he found wrestling at Long Beach Polytechnic High School. McKee excelled at the sport, becoming a two-time state champion in the 138–142 pounds division from 1987–1988 despite being academically ineligible for most of the 1988 season, competing in only 16 matches. He went on to be a two-time state champion for Cerritos College as well as a two-time CCCAA All-American in his two seasons from 1988–1989 in the 142 pounds weight class and held a 61-0 record from 1988–1989. McKee has also opened a gym and a security company and coaches the varsity team for no charge at his alma mater high school. McKee was also the founder of the Local Lucha Libre Wrestling (LLLW) in his hometown. During his long wrestling career, he competed with the likes of Heath Sims, Dan Henderson, and John Smith.[2][3]

Mixed martial arts

In his professional mixed martial arts debut, McKee received a win over journeyman Shannon Ritch.

Mckee told the Los Angeles Times that he used to train by paying his gangster friends 500 dollars apiece to fight him in his garage.[4]

Antonio is also credited with establishing an elite MMA training center, "BodyShop Fitness" in Lakewood, CA where fighters such as Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and the former Tokyo Sabres team have trained. Mckee also asserts that his wrestling is among the best in MMA.[5]

McKee is currently in production on his new reality show "Fight School TV."

McKee's fought at MFC 22 where he again used his solid wrestling skills to earn a unanimous decision victory over Carlo Prater. The match should have been for the MFC Lightweight Championship but Prater did not make weight. Previously McKee won the MFC Lightweight Championship by defeating Derrick Noble by unanimous decision (49-46 on all three of the judges scorecards).

Criticized for the number of decisions on his win record, McKee promised his next fight would end in a stoppage or he would retire from the sport.[6]

IFL

Mckee was the subject an MMA program on television as part of the IFL's programming [5]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

On September 15, 2010, MMAJunkie reported that McKee had signed a four-fight deal with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.[7]

McKee asserted to the Los Angeles Times that UFC president Dana White "comes off like a drunk sailor."[8]

On October 2, 2010, it was announced that McKee would make his debut at UFC 125 against Jacob Volkmann. Regarding the bout, McKee said that Volkmann did not have the drive to be a UFC fighter, and after his loss, should seek a different career path.[9] McKee would suffer his first loss in nearly eight years after losing the fight via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29). After the loss, he was cut from the UFC roster in what has since been described as a "loser leaves town" match[10]

Back To Maximum Fighting Championships

After his UFC release, McKee returned to the Maximum Fighting Championship where he was supposed to defend his lightweight title against Drew Fickett but suffered a knee injury in training.[11] McKee then vacated his title, although there is some dispute as to whether he gave it up voluntarily, which he denies, or whether he was stripped of the title.[12]

DREAM

He was to face Shinya Aoki on May 29, 2011 in Japan for Dream but withdrew from the match. [13] Leading up to the fight, Mckee felt that he had already won mentally.[14] The pair eventually fought on at Dream 18 on December 31, 2012 and McKee lost via submission in the second round, immediately tapping after a punch from the grappling expert.

Maximum Fighting Championships

McKee was expected to defend his Lightweight Title against Brian Cobb at MFC 32, but came in 7 pounds over the 155 limit. He was fined 20% of his purse, the fight was turned into a 3-round non-title bout, and McKee was stripped of his title.[15] McKee controlled round one and two of the bout before slowing down and being dominated in the final round. McKee was awarded a 29-28 victory from all the judges. MFC owner Mark Pavelich asserted that after missing weight McKee would never fight for MFC again, nor would he ever hold the belt again.[16]

Bellator MMA

On September 28, 2019, McKee returned to the cage for the first time in five years when he defeated William Sriyapai at Bellator 228. The 49-year old made history by competing on the same card as his son A.J. McKee.[17]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record
Professional record breakdown
38 matches 30 wins 6 losses
By knockout 5 2
By submission 4 1
By decision 21 3
Draws 2
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 30–6–2 William Sriyapai TKO (punches) Bellator 228 September 28, 2019 2 1:17 Los Angeles, California, United States
Win 29–6–2 Gadji Zaipulaev Decision (split) FEFoMP: Cup of the Sakhalin Administration Head 2014 November 22, 2014 3 5:00 Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia
Loss 28–6–2 Lewis Gonzales Technical Decision (unanimous) WSOF 4 August 10, 2013 3 N/A Ontario, California, United States Fight stopped in the third round due to an illegal elbow from Gonzales.
Loss 28–5–2 Shinya Aoki TKO (submission to punch) Dream 18 December 31, 2012 2 0:24 Tokyo, Japan
Win 28–4–2 Chad Dietmeyer Decision (unanimous) EFWC: The Untamed 2 March 30, 2012 3 5:00 Anaheim, California, United States
Win 27–4–2 Brian Cobb Decision (unanimous) MFC 32 January 27, 2012 3 5:00 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Non-title bout; McKee missed weight (162 lbs).
Win 26–4–2 Jai Bradney Submission (rear-naked choke) CFC 18: Juarez vs. Rodriguez August 26, 2011 1 4:54 Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Loss 25–4–2 Jacob Volkmann Decision (split) UFC 125 January 1, 2011 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 25–3–2 Luciano Azevedo TKO (doctor stoppage) MFC 26 September 10, 2010 1 3:11 Edmonton, Alberta Canada Defended the MFC Lightweight Championship.
Win 24–3–2 Rodrigo Ruiz Submission (kimura) Collision in the Cage March 20, 2010 1 2:04 Irvine, California, United States
Win 23–3–2 Carlo Prater Decision (unanimous) MFC 22 October 2, 2009 3 5:00 Edmonton, Alberta Canada Non-title bout; Prater missed weight (158 lbs).
Win 22–3–2 Derrick Noble Decision (unanimous) MFC 20 February 20, 2009 5 5:00 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Won the MFC Lightweight Championship.
Win 21–3–2 Delson Heleno Decision (split) IFL: 2007 Semifinals August 2, 2007 3 4:00 East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States
Win 20–3–2 Mike Dolce Decision (unanimous) IFL: Everett June 1, 2007 3 4:00 Everett, Washington, United States
Win 19–3–2 Rodrigo Ruas Decision (unanimous) IFL: Los Angeles March 17, 2007 3 4:00 Los Angeles, California, United States
Win 18–3–2 Gabe Rivas TKO (knee injury) IFL: Houston February 2, 2007 2 3:20 Houston, Texas, United States
Win 17–3–2 Ronald Jhun Decision (split) Extreme Wars 3: Bay Area Brawl June 3, 2006 3 5:00 Oakland, California, United States
Win 16–3–2 Kiuma Kunioku Decision (unanimous) HERO'S 4 March 15, 2006 2 5:00 Tokyo, Japan
Win 15–3–2 Joe Camacho Decision (unanimous) UAGF: Universal Above Ground Fighting December 11, 2004 3 5:00 California, United States
Draw 14–3–2 Akbarh Arreola Draw CFC 1: Crown Fighting 1 September 4, 2004 2 5:00 Rosarito Beach, Mexico
Win 14–3–1 John Mahlow Decision (unanimous) GC 20: Gladiator Challenge 20 November 13, 2003 2 5:00 Colusa, California, United States
Win 13–3–1 Gregg Dalton Decision (unanimous) UAGF 4: Ultimate Cage Fighting 4 October 12, 2003 3 5:00 Upland, California, United States
Win 12–3–1 Marcus Aurélio Decision (split) KOTC 27: Aftermath August 10, 2003 2 5:00 San Jacinto, California, United States
Loss 11–3–1 Karo Parisyan Decision (unanimous) UAGF 3: Ultimate Cage Fighting 3 February 15, 2003 3 5:00 Hollywood, California, United States
Win 11–2–1 Heath Sims Decision (unanimous) HFP 2: Hitman Fighting Productions 2 November 9, 2002 3 5:00 Santa Ana, California, United States
Win 10–2–1 Steve Gomm Decision (unanimous) UAGF 2: Ultimate Cage Fighting 2 July 30, 2002 2 5:00 Hollywood, California, United States
Win 9–2–1 Toby Imada Decision (unanimous) UAGF 1: Ultimate Cage Fighting 1 May 9, 2002 2 5:00 Los Angeles, California, United States
Draw 8–2–1 Jason Black Draw (split) World Fighting Alliance 1 November 3, 2001 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 8–2 Ray Cooper Submission (armbar) Warriors Quest 1: The New Beginning May 29, 2001 1 0:54 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States For the vacant Warriors Quest Lightweight Championship[18]
Win 8–1 David Harris Decision (unanimous) GC 3: Showdown at Soboba April 7, 2001 2 5:00 Friant, California, United States
Win 7–1 Víctor Estrada TKO (punches) IFC WC 11: Warriors Challenge 11 January 13, 2001 1 4:29 Fresno, California, United States
Win 6–1 Charles Diaz Decision (unanimous) IFC WC 10: Warriors Challenge 10 October 11, 2000 2 10:00 Friant, California, United States
Win 5–1 Edwin Dewees Decision (unanimous) RITC 20: Rage in the Cage 20 August 30, 2000 3 3:00 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Loss 4–1 Chris Brennan KO (head kick) KOTC 3: Knockout Nightmare April 15, 2000 2 0:09 San Jacinto, California, United States
Win 4–0 Cheyanne Padeken Submission (armbar) RITC 3: Rage in the Cage 3 January 18, 2000 1 4:11 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Win 3–0 Paul Gardner Submission (americana) HFP: Holiday Fight Party December 11, 1999 1 14:00 Georgia, United States
Win 2–0 J.F. Bolduc Decision (unanimous) NG 13: Neutral Grounds 13 November 20, 1999 3 5:00 Lakeside, California, United States
Win 1–0 Shannon Ritch TKO (submission to punches) Ready to Rumble: Let's Get Ready to Rumble October 13, 1999 1 N/A Woodland Hills, California, United States

References
  1. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-25. Retrieved 2012-02-21.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. "The Many Layers of Antonio McKee". Sherdog.com. 2010-12-27. Retrieved 2010-12-27.
  3. "Fighters Gym Phuket, Western Boxing, K1, Muay Thai Camp". Fighters.com. 2014-06-20. Retrieved 2016-08-29.
  4. James Verini (2002-11-14). "Their world of hurt - latimes". Articles.latimes.com. Retrieved 2016-08-29.
  5. "New Interview of the Year Candidate: Antonio McKee on The Jordan Breen Show". Bloody Elbow. 2009-02-20. Retrieved 2016-08-29.
  6. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2010-09-15. Retrieved 2013-01-06.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  7. "Antonio McKee signs four fight deal". MMAjunkie.com. September 15, 2010.
  8. Baxter Holmes (2011-12-27). "Dana White — 'The Baldfather' — pulls all the strings at UFC - Page 2 - latimes". Articles.latimes.com. Retrieved 2016-08-29.
  9. "Antonio McKee vs. Jacob Volkmann in the works for UFC 125 in January". MMAJUNKIE.com. 2010-10-02. Archived from the original on 6 October 2010. Retrieved 2010-11-09.
  10. Cofield, Steve (2010-07-29). "McKee's 'Loser Leaves Town' match forced by racism? - Cagewriter - Mixed Martial Arts Blog - Yahoo! Sports". Sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2016-08-29.
  11. "McKee Forced Out Of Title Defense Against Drew Fickett at MFC 28". sherdog.com. February 21, 2011.
  12. "Someone Forgot To Tell Antonio McKee That He "Mutually Vacated" His MFC Title". MMAWeekly.com. April 29, 2011.
  13. "Antonio McKee Takes Responsibility for Shinya Aoki Fight Not Happening(UPDATED)". mmafighting.com. May 17, 2011.
  14. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2012-10-16. Retrieved 2013-01-06.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  15. "MFC 32: Weigh In Results – McKee Stripped of Title". topmmanews.com. January 25, 2012.
  16. "MFCs Mark Pavelich blasts Antonio McKee for missing weight; will go eat a hot dog when he fights". MMAmania.com. 2012-01-27. Retrieved 2016-08-29.
  17. "Bellator 228: Antonio McKee Wants to Continue Fighting". cagesidepress.com. 2019-09-29. Retrieved 2019-09-29.
  18. "Warriors Quest 2001:"the New Beginning" | Full Contact Fighter". Fcfighter.com. 2001-05-11. Retrieved 2016-08-29.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.