Antonio McKee

Antonio McKee
Born	(1970-03-12) March 12, 1970 (age 51) Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
{{{native_name_module}}}
Other names	Mandingo
Residence	Long Beach, California, United States
Nationality	American
Height	5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Weight	167 lb (76 kg; 11.9 st)
Division	Lightweight
Style	Wrestling, Judo, BJJ, Kickboxing, Boxing, Karate,
Fighting out of	Lakewood, California, United States
Team	BodyShop Fitness Team
Rank	White belt in Judo
Years active	1999-present
Mixed martial arts record
Total	38
Wins	30
By knockout	5
By submission	4
By decision	21
Losses	6
By knockout	2
By submission	1
By decision	3
Draws	2
Other information
Notable relatives	A.J. McKee, son
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

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. McKee is now the head coach at Team Bodyshop MMA. ^[2]

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 had a troubled upbringing 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. ^{[3] [4]}

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. ^[5]

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. ^[6]

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).

IFL

Mckee was the subject of an MMA program on television as part of the IFL's programming ^[6]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

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

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. ^[8] 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 ^[9]

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. ^[10] 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. ^[11]

DREAM

He was to face Shinya Aoki on May 29, 2011 in Japan for Dream but withdrew from the match. ^[12] Leading up to the fight, Mckee felt that he had already won mentally. ^[13] The pair eventually fought on at Dream 18 on December 31, 2012 and McKee lost via submission in the second round.

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. ^[14] McKee controlled round one and two of the bout before losing 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. ^[15]

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. ^[16]

Championships and accomplishments

• Maximum Fighting Championship
  • MFC Lightweight Championship (One time)

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 [17]
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.
2. "Coach Antonio McKee discusses his team of Bellator prospects: A.J. McKee, Joey Davis and 'Baby Slice'". MMAjunkie.USAtoday. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
3. "The Many Layers of Antonio McKee". Sherdog.com. 2010-12-27. Retrieved 2010-12-27.
4. "Fighters Gym Phuket, Western Boxing, K1, Muay Thai Camp". Fighters.com. 2014-06-20. Retrieved 2016-08-29.
5. James Verini (2002-11-14). "Their world of hurt - latimes". Articles.latimes.com. Retrieved 2016-08-29.
6. "New Interview of the Year Candidate: Antonio McKee on The Jordan Breen Show". Bloody Elbow. 2009-02-20. Retrieved 2016-08-29.
7. "Antonio McKee signs four fight deal". MMAjunkie.com. September 15, 2010.
8. "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.
9. 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.
10. "McKee Forced Out Of Title Defense Against Drew Fickett at MFC 28". sherdog.com. February 21, 2011.
11. "Someone Forgot To Tell Antonio McKee That He "Mutually Vacated" His MFC Title". MMAWeekly.com. April 29, 2011.
12. "Antonio McKee Takes Responsibility for Shinya Aoki Fight Not Happening(UPDATED)". mmafighting.com. May 17, 2011.
13. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2012-10-16. Retrieved 2013-01-06.
14. "MFC 32: Weigh In Results – McKee Stripped of Title". topmmanews.com. January 25, 2012.
15. "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.
16. "Bellator 228: Antonio McKee Wants to Continue Fighting". cagesidepress.com. 2019-09-29. Retrieved 2019-09-29.
17. "Warriors Quest 2001:"the New Beginning" | Full Contact Fighter". Fcfighter.com. 2001-05-11. Retrieved 2016-08-29.

External links

• Professional MMA record for Antonio McKee from Sherdog
• Antonio McKee at UFC