James Hammortree

James Hammortree (born November 29, 1983) is an American mixed martial artist. He was a cast member of Spike TV's The Ultimate Fighter: Team Liddell vs. Team Ortiz.

Early life
James was born in Northern Illinois, but spent most of his life in Florida with his family. He attended Sebring High School from 2000 to 2004. Following graduation, Hammortree moved onto college at Webber International University. After the death of his grandfather, Hammortree left Webber after his freshman season in order to pursue a career as a full-time firefighter in Ocala, Florida. James decided to become a firefighter because his grandfather was a highly respected firefighter in Chicago, Illinois.

Mixed martial arts career
Through the Fire Department, Hammortree was introduced to mixed martial arts. While training for the Firefighter Olympics, where he went on to defeat two-time wrestling National Champ Mark Fee, one of his station mates offered him the chance to come to an MMA gym to wrestle with some of the fighters there. He was so impressive that Chris Hickman, the gym's owner, wanted to keep him around full-time.

He made his pro debut in January 2009 against Justin Halahan. Hammortree controlled the fight, and won the fight via technical knockout in the first round.

After going 2-0, Hammortree broke Florida's record for the fastest MMA knockout, winning via a five second knockout. In his final pre-UFC fight, Hammortree lost to current UFC fighter John Salter.

The Ultimate Fighter
Hammortree was selected for the eleventh season of the Ultimate Fighter. James earned his spot in the house after defeating Bellator veteran Norman Paraisy. Hammortree was selected fifth by Team Ortiz, making him the ninth overall pick.

His next fight came against Brad Tavares. After three rounds, the judges gave the win to Tavares, causing a war of words between Ortiz and Liddell.

After Nick Ring withdrew from the tournament due to needing ACL reconstruction surgery, Hammortree was given the fight because of his desire shown to Dana White. Hammortree was matched against Court McGee. Hammortree again lost, this time by a second round submission (standing guillotine choke).

In order to be on this show, Hammortree's station picked up his shifts, with every member volunteering to cover for him, free of charge.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Hammortree made his UFC debut at the The Ultimate Fighter: Team Liddell vs. Team Ortiz Finale against Chris Camozzi. The fight was close throughout but Camozzi took the win via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27). After the loss, Hammortree was released from his UFC contract and his profile was removed from the UFC webpage.