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GAN "THE GIANT" MCGEE REVEALS HIS TOP TEN HEAVYWEIGHT TARGETS

By Press Release | August 25, 2008
GAN

When Gan "The Giant" McGee last fought on American soil, he was competing in the octagon for the UFC world title against heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia at UFC 44's "Battle of the Giants."  The fight proved highly controversial; Sylvia won by TKO, but tested positive for the illegal steroid Stanozolol in his post-fight drug test.  The Nevada State Athletic Commission immediately stripped Sylvia of his world title and suspended him for six-months, but UFC refused to expunge the loss from McGee's record and denied his request for a second shot at the title.  Deeply disappointed with how the controversy was handled, McGee left UFC and American MMA, fighting twice with the Japanese-based PRIDE Fighting Championships before retiring for good in 2004.  Or so he thought at the time.

"I truly believed I was completely done with MMA," acknowledged the 31-year-old McGee from his San Luis Obispo, California training camp.  "I felt I deserved a chance to compete for the UFC championship on an even playing field – and at a minimum, if my opponent was caught cheating, the loss should be taken off my record.  After my fight with Sylvia, my head just wasn't in the game anymore, man.  I worked so damn hard to become a world champion… and when my dream died, I lost my will to continue fighting.  But after four long years in exile, I've finally regained my passion and hunger.  I now realize that irrespective of UFC or what the record books say, I'm still a champion at heart – and being a champion isn't just about wearing a title, but never surrendering to adversity.  I'm 100% healthy and 100% focused on reclaiming my lost legacy… and nothin' is gonna stand in my way this time.  I'm stronger, wiser and fully dedicated to proving to the world that the real Giant is back – and the heavyweight division is about to be permanently reconfigured."

Gan "The Giant" McGee will launch his long-awaited MMA comeback on September 13, headlining Xtreme Fighting Championships (XFC)'s "Salute to Our Armed Forces 5" at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Florida against veteran Johnathan Ivey.  Live web-streaming of the fight card will be available at www.mmaxfc.com.

McGee revealed the ten fighters he's most looking forward to facing in the cage:

10. Johnathan Ivey: "Right off the bat, Ivey is the first man I'll face in my comeback, and Ivey's been running his mouth for far too long about how I'm gonna wish I stayed retired.  Well, after we're done fighting, he'll REALLY wish I stayed retired!  Got that, Ivey?  I can't tell you how good it'll feel to bash that guy right in his damn face.  I want him.  Now."

9. Tim Sylvia: "Me and Tim have some unfinished business.  Nothing against him personally – he's a nice guy and all – but he flat-out cheated in our fight.  Let's see how he does against me straight-up, with no pharmaceutical enhancements.  Let's find out who the better man really is.  I'm ready whenever you are, Tim."

8. Josh Barnett: "For four straight years, I went undefeated – stopping every single opponent in the first round, with just one exception.  And that exception was Josh Barnett.  We fought in the first-ever Super Heavyweight bout in UFC history, and I rocked him hard in round one.  I nearly put him away.  But he caught me in round two, winning by TKO due to strikes at 4:34.  Josh is a great fighter, and I'd love to rumble with him one more time… 'cause it sure would feel good to smash him around the cage again!"

7. Kimbo Slice: "I think Kimbo is bad for MMA.  Period.  And I'm the right man to remove him from the sport for good.  Next."

6. Brock Lesnar: "Brock's a big strong guy and he'd face an interesting challenge for me.  He's got plenty of size and power – and so do I.  He has a stellar amateur wrestling background – and I was trained in college by the legendary Dan Gable.  It would be a great test for both of us."

5. Cheick Kongo: "This would be an excellent matchup because of our styles.  I respect Kongo, and think he'd be the ideal gateway fighter for me to break back into the top-tier of the division."

4. Randy Couture: "I've looked up to Randy for many, many years.  I met him for the first time when I was just a kid at a wrestling camp.  He's a real good guy.  And y'know, because of our age difference and relationship, fighting Randy would be kind of like fighting my Dad… no offense, Randy!  But I'd love to do it."

3. Heath Herring: "I faced Herring in Osaka, Japan; it was my first fight since all that controversy went down at UFC 44 with Sylvia, and I took the fight on short notice, losing a split decision.  No excuses, though: Herring won, and he's an exciting, world class fighter.  I really hope I get an opportunity to avenge that loss, 'cause it still bugs me."

2. Fedor Emelianenko: "Why do I want to fight Fedor so badly?  Because he's currently the best heavyweight in the world – and if you don't want to face the best, you have no business in MMA.  Personally, I think this would be a helluva matchup – the kind of fight that would have fans on their feet from beginning to end.  I'd have a ten-inch height advantage over Fedor and would fight him as the bigger man, making him fight shorter than he actually is.  I'd utilize my reach, making Fedor come to me – and when he comes in close, I'd take him out."

1. Everyone else: "Bring 'em all on!  Look, I didn't return to MMA just to collect a few paychecks.  This is all about my legacy – about finally establishing myself as the number one heavyweight on the planet.  When I'm at my best, I know how good I am… and the only one who can stop me is me.  I've watched all those other heavyweights and believe me, I fear no one.  Any time, any place, boys."

For those outside the Tampa area, live streaming of XFC's "Salute to Our Armed Forces 5" featuring the comeback fight of Gan "The Giant" McGee will be available on www.mmaxfc.com.

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