A four-part documentary called Catching Lightning, set to premiere on Showtime on April 7, will explore the story of Lee Murray, a notorious MMA fighter who pulled off the largest heist in UK history and received a 25-year prison sentence for his role.
Lee Murray, a former MMA fighter and a participant in the UFC, will be the subject of a new Showtime documentary titled “Catching Lightning,” set to air on April 7. While Murray only fought in the UFC once in 2004, he became infamous for his exploits outside of the cage, particularly for orchestrating the biggest heist in the history of the United Kingdom. The four-part documentary will explore Murray’s background, including his notorious interaction with former UFC champion Tito Ortiz and his participation in the UFC whilst wearing a prison uniform and mask.
In 2002, Murray had a well-publicized altercation with Tito Ortiz following UFC 38, during which he allegedly knocked out Ortiz. Two years later, he made his UFC debut and wore a prison uniform and mask similar to the one worn by Anthony Hopkins in “Silence of the Lambs.” Murray won the fight and went on to fight one more time, losing a decision to future UFC champion Anderson Silva. In spite of his success in the octagon, Murray was prevented from ever traveling into the United States again due to legal issues.
It was after his brief UFC career that Murray would make headlines again, as he helped orchestrate the largest cash heist in U.K. history when he robbed the Securitas depot in Tonbridge, England, making off with a haul of over $92 million. The documentary will delve into the details of the heist and Murray’s eventual arrest and 25-year sentence in prison. It will feature interviews with notable figures such as Anderson Silva and UFC Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell, who witnessed Murray’s altercation with Ortiz.
In a press release, Showtime Sports president Stephen Espinoza praised the documentary and its director, Pat Kondelis. “This series is the epitome of what we aim to deliver: a captivating story about larger-than-life personalities and characters told through a relatable, human lens,” he said. “The story of Lee Murray and the Securitas Depot heist is the stuff of Hollywood heist movies: full of fascinating characters, thrilling action and shocking plot twists.”
The Showtime documentary will be streaming on Paramount+ and is sure to provide a fascinating insight into Lee Murray’s infamous story.