We want to send out a big congratulations to Kris McCray, runner-up in this years Ultimate Fighting Championship! McCray is a member of Team Gold Medal Grappling, a Lloyd Irvin affiliate. He has been studying TKD and karate since he was 12, and was also a high school wrestler. He picked up Jiu Jitsu while serving six years in the military.

Though born in Germany to a military family, McCray spent his teen years in Woodbridge, Virginia and did most of his fighting around here. He has even fought on a BattleFC fight card.

His MMA career has been impressive to say the least. As an amateur, McCray maintained a perfect 10-0 fighting record, and stayed undefeated as a pro until his recent defeat to Court McGee in the finals of the recent season of Ultimate Fighter.

Kris set a new record for total competitions in a season, with a total of five fights. Dana White commented during the final episode that McCray had fought “literally every Tuesday” since he got in the house. During the season finale, McCray submitted to McGee in the second round with a rear-naked choke. But even with this loss, he made it further than most.

As a member of Team Lloyd Irvin, McCray has exemplified the quality of Lloyd Irvin Jiu Jitsu training. This has been a banner year for team Lloyd Irvin and Kris McCray.