Court McGee didn't have the storybook ending to his career, but one chapter doesn't define the tale.
At UFC 332, McGee (22-15 MMA, 11-14 UFC) put forth a valiant effort against Eric Nolan (9-5 MMA, 1-2 UFC) in his home area of Salt Lake City. The welterweight bout opened the card at Delta Center and saw Nolan finish McGee by TKO at the 3:26 mark of Round 3.
McGee, 41, declared the fight a retirement bout upon the official announcement. He went toe-to-toe with Nolan for the complete duration of the fight with both men landing hard. McGee was dropped badly at the end-of-round horn in Round 1 by a big Nolan elbow.
Round 2 was tit-for-tat between the two fighters, so much so that the judges all had it 19-19 entering Round 3. Ultimately, McGee slowed
as the fight progressed and Nolan took over, landing more and more frequently. McGee tried his best to recover from damaging shots, but ultimately was put down and out by punches.
NIGHT NIGHT 😤
— UFC (@ufc) October 3, 2026
Eric Nolan gives it his all with a thunderous RD3 knockout!
[ #UFC332 | LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus and @CBS ] pic.twitter.com/LJ0AheyDLH
After the fight, McGee took off his gloves and dropped them on the canvas after a heartfelt speech to the crowd, saying to never give up on your dreams and referencing his life turnaround as a recovering drug addict. The promotion played a video tribute package prior to his cage exit.
McGee exits the promotion 16 years and 25 UFC fights after he won "The Ultimate Fighter 11" in 2010. Notable victories included Robert Whittaker, Josh Neer, and Tim Means.
Up-to-the-minute UFC 322 results include:
- Court McGee def. Ismail Naurdiev via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 3:26
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC 332 video: Court McGee retires after TKO loss to Eric Nolan
