UFC Fighter Court McGee Died for 8 Minutes After Overdosing on Heroin

UFC fighter Court McGee explained in harrowing detail how his battle with addiction nearly took his life.

“On September 9, 2005, I overdosed on heroin and was gone for eight minutes,” McGee, 40, shared via Instagram on Tuesday, September 9. “What should have been the end of my story became the beginning of a second chance. Today, I carry deep gratitude for recovery — for the breath in my lungs, the strength to live with purpose and the gift of a life I almost lost.”

He added, “Every day sober is proof that hope is stronger than despair.”

McGee further discussed his sobriety in a social media post on Monday, September 8, in celebration of National Recovery Month. 

“Recovery has given me a second chance at life — one day at a time, one step at a time,” he shared via Instagram. “I’m humbled by the journey, thankful for the people who’ve walked alongside me and hopeful for anyone still struggling that healing is possible.”

McGee and his wife, Chelsea, share sons Isaac, 18, Crew, 15, and Nash, 4. 

The fighter celebrated a milestone anniversary with his wife on social media in October 2024. 

“Been dating since our junior year in high school, 24yrs ago,” McGee posted via Instagram alongside a picture from their wedding. “Happy Anniversary Babe! We are celebrating 16 years of marriage today!!! Love you.”

McGee returned to the octagon after an eight-month break in June, losing in a unanimous decision to Michael Chiesa. 

“It was an honor sharing the octagon with you,” McGee shared via Instagram after the fight, alongside a picture of Chiesa and himself. 

In another post, McGee shared a picture of his fight team and wrote: “Couldn’t be more grateful for such a great crew!!! it wasn’t our night but, there is no group I’d rather be next to … another day at the office 👊🏽🤘🏽.”

A native of Ogden, Utah, McGee won season 11 of The Ultimate Fighter in 2010. McGee made his UFC debut that same year and has amassed a professional record of 22-14. 

McGee reflected on his career with a poignant social media post in July 2022. 

“I’ve had over 20 professional fights televised and have done quite a few interviews,” he wrote via Instagram. “I’ve had Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, I speak to live audiences and have been a guest on a handful of podcasts. I found out very quickly that what you put out there is directly related to how you will be treated.”

He continued, “I started life over at 21 years old and built a foundation in recovery. Recovery has given me compassion, admiration and a different perspective on life. At 25 years old I won The Ultimate Fighter, but before making it on the show and before becoming a famous professional athlete I had to ask myself … what kind of professional athlete do I want to become? My answer: The professional athlete my sons could look up to.”