Former UFC middleweight, Lee “Lighting” Murray has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in the 2006 Securitas depot robbery, which currently ranks as the largest heist in England’s history. Along with several partners, Murray walked away from the scheme with over 53 million pounds. As police arrested the team one-by-one, Murray fled to Morocco where he holds duel citizenship. Unfortunately for “Lighting,” Moroccan law enforcement quickly detained him.

For the next four years, the United Kingdom fought to extradite Murray back to his home country, but bureaucratic red tape prevented it. In 2007, while in a Moroccan prison, Murray was caught trying to saw through his cell bars in an ill advised escape attempt. During his initial imprisonment, Murray was infamous for having the proper connections to obtain a laptop with an internet connection and designer clothes while he waited out his sentence.

After being briefly released in 2009, Murray was re-arrested at the request of British authorities. He now must serve a 10 year stretch in Morocco for his crimes.

A talented middleweight, Murray made his debut with the UFC back in 2004, defeating Jorge Rivera via armbar triangle. It would be his only fight with the organization as Visa issues kept “Lighting” out of the Octagon. Known to hardcore MMA fans for years, Murray allegedly knocked out Tito Ortiz during a street fight in 2002.

At 32-years-old, it’s crazy to think that Murray could have still been fighting in the UFC today had he not ventured into such unscrupulous behavior. With MMA gaining a larger presence in the U.K., it’s not difficult to imagine that Murray would have been a breakout star. Instead, he’ll spend the next 10 years contemplating his life, and most likely, his next adventure.

There are rumors that a screenplay based on Murray’s story is making the rounds in Hollywood.

(Source: MMA Weekly)