AJ McKee's UFC Dreams Dashed: Why 'Mercenary' Remains Loyal to PFL
It seems the highly anticipated clash between AJ McKee and UFC featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski won't be happening anytime soon. McKee, the former Bellator champion who once boldly declared he'd "destroy Volk," has re-signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), much to the disappointment of fans hoping to see him test his mettle against the best in the UFC.
McKee, known as 'Mercenary,' made a name for himself outside the UFC, dominating the Bellator featherweight division. He was a force to be reckoned with, culminating in an undefeated run to claim the Bellator featherweight title. In 2021, McKee shocked the world by submitting Patricio Pitbull in under two minutes, pushing his record to an impressive 18-0. At that point, he didn't just hold the Bellator belt; he claimed to be the top featherweight fighter across all promotions.
His focus later shifted to lightweight, but McKee made a successful return to the featherweight division under the PFL banner this year. Now, the 30-year-old fighter is committed to continuing his career in the SmartCage, signing a new multi-fight deal.
McKee's move to the PFL came after the promotion acquired Bellator MMA in late 2023. While he lost his gold to Pitbull in a rematch, McKee has demonstrated his skill and determination in the PFL. He secured a win over Clay Collard in his PFL debut, but a loss to Paul Hughes led him back to the 145-pound division. His return was triumphant, as he defeated Khabib Nurmagomedov's protégé, Akhmed Magomedov, at the first PFL Africa event in July. This victory, followed by the new multi-fight deal, solidifies his commitment to the PFL.
But here's where it gets controversial...
McKee's confidence in his abilities led him to make some bold statements, particularly regarding a potential fight with UFC champion Alexander Volkanovski. In late 2022, McKee reiterated his belief that he would dominate the Australian legend, stating, "I would destroy Volk." He even added, "I could prove that the best fighters in the world aren’t all in the UFC."
With Volkanovski nearing the end of his career and McKee now tied to the PFL, it seems this dream match will remain just that – a dream.
What do you think? Do you believe McKee could have given Volkanovski a run for his money? Do you think McKee made the right choice by staying with the PFL? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
