AJ McKee suffered his first loss in April of this year. Months later he’s still processing the decision.
McKee (18-1), who lost the featherweight title to Patricio “Pitbull” Freire via unanimous decision at Bellator 277, said, “It feels a little different to literally rip something out of my hand and take it away from me. Gave me some nerves.
It wasn’t the only time Pitbull regained the featherweight title and the top of his division. That doesn’t compare to Mackie’s blow of missing a goal he had been dreaming about and sweating for years, which faded as soon as he heard the announcement of the controversial decision.
Highly competitive and extremely talented, McKee experienced mixed emotions in the months following his title loss. His quarter has passed and this loss, while heartbreaking, would require exponentially more time than just a flawed scorecard to break McKee’s spirits. reminds me of
“I’m still undefeated in life,” McKee says. “I know some people, like the judges, see it differently. But I definitely won that battle.
“I wanted to be undefeated and the best like Khabib. [Nurmagomedov], it gets even more interesting. Khabib’s style is very similar to that of his father. It was a lot of fuel to make McKee’s name the all-time great in this sport because he never got the glory, recognition or respect that I think he deserves. For me, it just stays my way. I use this as a kick to keep me motivated. “
McKee will be looking to win the next scheduled fight at Bellator 286 on October 1st.
Jerry Lai/USA TODAY Sports
The inevitable happens, and it aptly describes the future of Mackie and Pitbull. Both are included on his Bellator 286 card due on October 1, with Pitbull defending his featherweight title against Adam Bolik and McKee for his match with Spike Carlisle. Move to lightweight.
Even though their paths go in different directions, the two proud fighters are tightly intertwined. The 286 card takes place in McKee’s hometown of Long Beach, Calif., and there’s no shortage of cheers to welcome him, as are many questions about his third fight with Pitbull.
Given ample time to reflect and reassess, McKee’s self-exploration led him to plan his next move. Pitbull has unfinished business, and after splitting his first two bouts, there will be no closure until the third fight.
“Do people want a trilogy?” says McKee, who is 27 and about to hit his prime. I had to sit down and rate and rate. Right after the fight, I wasn’t fighting him. Why I? I won that battle. But now I want to fight I have one more thing to say.
“If it was up to me, he would have fought me in Long Beach. Did he find the energy of the forum inspiring? Wait until he’s in Long Beach. He’s even going to fight me.” No, and you’ll still get booed.”
Before that intriguing proposition of the trilogy comes to fruition, McKee has a new foe to focus on in Carlisle. But it’s certainly unique that McKee, Bellator’s greatest homegrown fighter with an 18-game winning streak and title win, doesn’t get a high-profile opponent.
scroll to continue
“If it was me, I would have liked to fight Benson. [Henderson]’ says McKee. “Stylistically, it’s going to be a great fight. Overall, I wanted Pitbull, not Patricio, because I was already pissing him off. I wanted Patriki. Keep him in the family.” But I’m not fighting. [Nurmagomedov] Just beat someone unranked and he’s a well-established 55-pounder. But do I choose people with magic? People try to downplay anything I do because of my skill set and how good I am. It doesn’t really matter to me. I’m going to go there and do my best. It puts on the show and entertains the fans. “
Mackey from Bellator 221.
Jerry Lai/USA TODAY Sports
McKee also explained his decision to do a lightweight fight.
“When I was told there was no rematch offer and no rematch opportunity, I felt like there was no reason to stay in the division,” McKee says. “There is no point in going down to 45 pounds if you are not fighting for titles. I always wanted to be a lightweight champion at 55 pounds like my father. Champ Champ was my first goal. It never happened, but I’m looking forward to getting in. We’re about to blow up some sh–. I’m here.
“You’re trying to understand that there’s no limit to what I can do. Jake Paul wants a fight. I don’t like his attitude, his attitude. It’s full.He’s disrespectful.I’ll fight him too.I’m a nice guy with a big heart, but now it’s different.”
You don’t need a fortune teller to predict Mackie and Pitbull’s fate, regardless of their outcome at Bellator 286, or possibly in the boxing ring. It is destined to be a decisive and decisive winner-takes-all third match.
“Retire him,” McKee says. “If he beats Borix and doesn’t retire, I want to fight.
Mackie is angry, but not blinded by emotion or vitriol. Strongly aware that these next few fights have the potential to elevate his status to become a world-class figure in fighting, he will face Spike Carlisle in a bizarre next step. Still, showing the same perseverance that makes him so dangerous inside the cage, Mackie is ready to pounce when the time is right.
“I have a lot to accomplish,” McKee says. “Obviously my last game wasn’t my best performance. Even on my worst day, I knew Patricio couldn’t beat me. And that was my worst day.” – And he didn’t beat me.
It’s easy to temporarily lose sight of the fact that Mackie’s next fight isn’t Pitbull. Clearly, that clash is coming.
“I’m going to win my next fight,” McKee says. “And remember, when you’re the champion, you have the say. When I was the champion, he wanted a rematch. Signed and showed up to fight.Whether he wins or loses this Borix fight, let’s see if he signs the dotted line.”
Other MMA Coverage:
Justin Barrasso can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @Justin Barrasso.
.