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In a recent addition to the UFC 157 main card, Court McGee (13-3 MMA; 3-2 UFC) takes on Josh Neer (33-12-1 MMA; 6-7 UFC). This Welterweight fight is the second of five fights on the UFC 157 PPV. UFC 157: Rousey vs. Carmouche airs live from Anaheim, California this Saturday, February 23. The main card begins on PPV at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.
These two were originally scheduled for the prelims, but when Chad Mendes vs. Manny Gamburyan was cancelled, McGee and Neer got the call up. They now have a good opportunity to impress on this historic card. Both men have had their struggles lately, with each coming in on a 2 fight losing streak. A loss here could definitely send the loser out of the UFC, while a big win would provide some much needed momentum. Both men have their backs against the wall - we'll see how they respond to the pressure.
How do these two stack up?
McGee: 28 years old | 5'11" | 76" reach
Neer: 29 years old | 5'11" | 72" reach
What have these two done recently?
McGee: L - Nick Ring (UD) | L - Costa Philippou (UD) | W - Dongi Yang (UD)
Neer: L - Justin Edwards (Sub) | L - Mike Pyle (KO) | W - Duane Ludwig (Sub)
How did these two get here?
Court McGee is a TUF champion from season 11. He had a good start to his UFC career, winning his first 3 fights inside the Octagon. However, after losing back to back fights in 2012, he decided to drop down to Welterweight. This is his debut at 170 pounds. McGee trains at The Pit, where he has developed a grinding game that uses his superior cardio conditioning to wear opponents down over 3 rounds. With this new cut in weight, it will be interesting to see how that game is impacted.
More on UFC 157: Rousey vs. Carmouche
Josh Neer is a hard nosed veteran with close to 50 pro fights to his name. The old school Miletich Fighting Systems fighter has been around the sport for 10 years. His latest UFC run got off to a good start, going 2-0 in 2011/early 2012. But his fortunes have changed lately as he is coming off a pair of bad losses - first a surprise KO at the hands of Mike Pyle that seems to have finally exposed the age on Neer's battle-tested chin, then a submission loss to the lower ranked Justin Edwards. A loss here would put him on the first 3 fight losing streak of his entire career. Neer is a durable fighter who you should never count out, but he's been through a ton of wars, and they may have cuaght up with him.
Why should you care?
To be totally honest, this isn't a fabulous main card fight, and it sticks out on the otherwise stacked card. Still, Neer in particular almost always entertains, and with the threat of being cut hanging over each man's head, I expect some quality action here.
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