So, the other day I got curious about UFC fighters from Utah. Dunno why, maybe saw something about the state or just wondered if any local guys made it big in the octagon. You know how it is, sometimes you just start digging online.

Fired up the computer, typed in the usual stuff. “Utah UFC fighters,” “MMA fighters from Utah,” that kind of thing. Expected maybe one or two names, wasn’t really sure.
Finding the Obvious One
Right away, the name Court McGee popped up everywhere. Yeah, I remembered him. Won The Ultimate Fighter way back when, right? Season 11. That was a big deal. From Orem, I think. His story’s pretty wild too, the whole comeback thing. You gotta respect that kind of grit, seriously.
So, okay, McGee was easy enough. Felt good, like, “Alright, Utah’s got representation!”
Then it Got a Bit Fuzzy
After McGee, finding a solid list got trickier. Some sites mentioned guys who trained in Utah for a while but weren’t exactly from here. Others listed names I hadn’t heard of, and it was hard to tell if they were current or from way back.
- Saw Jeremy Horn mentioned sometimes. Legend, for sure, big connections to Utah MMA, but more old school.
- Some other names floated around, but details were sparse.
- It wasn’t like searching for fighters from California or Florida, where the lists are endless.
It kinda reminded me of trying to find info on local bands from back in the day. You know there were more, but finding actual records or solid proof online now? Tough job. Information gets scattered, forgotten. People move on.

My Takeaway
So, the search wasn’t super fruitful beyond the main guy, McGee. Maybe there are others I missed, wouldn’t surprise me. It’s not always easy to track folks unless they hit the very top.
But honestly, just finding out about McGee again and remembering his journey was pretty cool. It takes a ton to get into the UFC, let alone stay there. Makes you appreciate the guys who do make it, especially when they’re from somewhere you know. It’s a tough way to make a living, that’s for sure.