McGee

It looks like the UFC has lined up a sizable main event for its next installment proposed for September. After weeks of back and forth negotiation, Gan McGee’s camp confirmed late today that he has been secured to meet heavyweight champion Tim "The Maine-iac" Sylvia in the Octagon at UFC 44. It’s a headliner of astronomical proportions — challenger McGee stands at 6’10", while champion Sylvia is just shy of that mark at 6’8".

From his home yesterday in California, "The Giant" remained sober and focused, having this to say about his upcoming title bout: "It’s just another fight to me," he commented, taking time out from video games to speak with FCF. "I’m not going to get all caught up and get all silly about it being a title fight. A fight’s a fight. I’m just gonna get ready for five rounds and go out there and ‘do it to it’."

McGee first appeared in the UFC at UFC 28, picking up his sole career loss at the hands of Josh Barnett. He was absent from the promotion for nearly 2 years until last September’s UFC 39, where as a highly regarded underdog, he knocked Brazilian veteran Pedro Rizzo against the fence with a powerful overhand right late in the first round. With a broken nose, Rizzo could not answer the second round bell. McGee returned once again in February for UFC 41, where he knocked out Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Cafe Dantas in the first round.

Sylvia

With the announcement of this match-up, talk will inevitably turn to how these two athletes’ towering frames will translate in battle. It’s a thought that has not escaped McGee as he begins preparation for September. "Actually, I think it’s probably going to throw both of us off a little bit. I’m gonna try and find a couple of the tall guys to spar with. I probably won’t have anyone of Tim’s caliber at that height, but I’ll try and get one of the tall guys for my timing and reach so I’m used to that."