Staring At An Uncertain Future, AJ McKee Is Ready For Bellator 301

“Whether it’s the Octagon or PFL, I’m not sure what will happen. I just need to stay prepared.”

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AJ McKee on his fighting future: “Whether it’s the Octagon or PFL, I’m not sure what will happen. I just need to stay prepared.”

AJ McKee returns to the cage this Saturday at Bellator 301.

One of Bellator’s best homegrown talents, McKee has fought every one of his 21 pro fights for Scott Coker’s promotion. Yet all signs point to Bellator no longer existing in 2024, either getting seized by the PFL or, sadly, fading into oblivion.

For McKee, 28, that uncertainty is daunting.

“I always like to plan everything out,” said McKee. “But this is out of my control.”

Contents

1. Alex Pereira’s past makes his present even more compelling

After emerging as one of Bellator’s most elite talents, it appears McKee (20-1) will have to start anew in either the UFC or PFL.

“Whether it’s the Octagon or PFL, I’m not sure what will happen,” said McKee. “I just need to stay prepared. You never know what could happen. So, for me, stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.”

Courtesy Bellator

McKee understands that his future begins on Saturday at Bellator 301. His stock only increases with a victory against the talented Sidney Outlaw, who he meets in a lightweight bout.

“I haven’t knocked anybody out at 155 yet,” said McKee. “I haven’t had a knockout since the last Grand Prix [in 2019]. Since New Year’s, it’s been grind, grind, grind. I’m ready to knock someone out.”

Technically, this bout could serve as an alternate entry to the Bellator Lightweight Grand Prix. Reigning lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov had his tourney victory against Brent Primus overturned due to testing positive for an illegal substance. But the likelihood of that appears bleak due to Bellator’s future.

McKee was initially slated to be in the tournament (as was Outlaw), yet had to drop out due to a staph infection.

“Once I caught the staph infection, I was moved to an alternate for the tournament,” said McKee. “I’m not quite sure what’s going to happen. I’m happy to be in there. But, to me, the respectable thing is to advance Brent Primus. Ultimately, it’s up to Coker.”

In addition to fighting for himself, McKee is also proudly representing his father Antonio, who will be in his corner on Saturday.

“My goal since the beginning is to get him the respect he deserves,” said McKee, whose father was an accomplished fighter. “Get the respect that the name McKee deserves. We’re putting it on for our future, too, setting the path for them.

“And he still loves the fight game. We’re working on getting him a boxing match soon.”

Courtesy Bellator

Moving forward, McKee revealed that he is open to fighting at featherweight or lightweight.

“I could do a couple more fights at 145,” said McKee. “It just has to make sense.

“I believed I was the best 145-pound fighter in the world. And that’s what I am working to do at 155.”

It is unusual to see McKee not in the main event or co-main of a card, but that is the case this Saturday at Bellator 301. With two title bouts headlining the card, the focus will be on gold–though McKee intends to change that narrative.

“My mindset is I’m the main event,” said McKee. “I’m there to steal the show.

“I’m starting this card with fireworks. I’m looking forward to going in there and making a statement.”

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Alex Pereira’s past makes his present even more compelling

Alex Pereira’s journey to the top of the UFC continues to become more fascinating.

Courtesy Twitter

The new light heavyweight champion, Pereira recently returned to the tire shop where he used to work in Brazil. Pereira’s rise to success in the UFC and GLORY is a remarkable story, and he is still competing at an elite level.

Pereira defeated Jiri Prochazka this past Saturday at UFC 295 to win the light heavyweight title. It marked Pereira’s third victory at the famed Madison Square Garden.

Alex Pereira On Madison Square Garden: ‘It’s My House Now’

“It’s my house now,” said Pereira. “I just need the key.”