A.J. McKee has some enterprise to deal with on Saturday but when all goes effectively it appears like he’ll lastly get the battle he’s been chasing for over a 12 months.
On the upcoming PFL: Battle of the Giants occasion, McKee faces fast-rising prospect Paul Hughes within the first bout on the pay-per-view fundamental card nevertheless it appeared like a showdown in opposition to Bellator light-weight champion Usman Nurmagomedov was inevitable. An damage knocked McKee out of the Bellator Light-weight Grand Prix, which prevented him from chasing the battle again then, however a latest encounter with Usman’s cousin and coach Khabib Nurmagomedov gave him the information he’s been ready to listen to.
“That’s the battle everybody desires is Usman and McKee,” McKee informed MMA Combating. “I believe that’s what’s on the roster subsequent. That’s what everyone desires and I don’t assume there’s another fights to make.
“I used to be down at [Usman’s] battle in San Diego and Khabib [Nurmagomedov] walks by and says ‘see you in Dubai.’ I’m like I’ll see you in Dubai so it appears like they’re pushing for it and I’m pushing for it. So it appears like we’re going to make it occur. There’s actually no different battle to make occur.”
Since transferring to light-weight, McKee has gone undefeated with an ideal 4-0 file together with a lightning fast end over PFL favourite Clay Collard again in February.
This time round he’s going through an up and comer in Hughes, who simply signed with PFL as a free agent earlier this 12 months and solely has one battle underneath his belt with the promotion. Going from a win over a journeyman like Bobby King to a battle in opposition to arguably the No. 1 contender within the light-weight division may seem to be an nearly unrealistic step up in competitors.
McKee can’t get inside Hughes’ head to know what he’s pondering however he plans on displaying him there are ranges to this sport once they meet on Saturday.
“He actually hasn’t handled any stress,” McKee stated. “He’s simply been sort of strolling by guys. How’s he going to react when issues get a little bit nitty gritty and sticky? I’m not one to again down. So I’m going to be in his face the whole time. That’s what we’re going to should see. How does Paul Hughes react when issues aren’t going his method? What’s he going to be able to in these moments?
“I keep in mind eager to be neck and neck with the perfect. But it surely’s like Quick and the Livid — too quickly Junior. That’s the quote I’m seeking to drop on this one.”
Fact be informed, McKee didn’t even actually is aware of Hughes earlier than he obtained provided the battle as a result of he leaves scouting as much as his father and coach, Antonio McKee.
Possibly Hughes actually is the following huge factor however McKee guarantees he’s not going to be the stepping stone on his ascension to stardom.
“I don’t actually listen [to my opponents],” McKee stated. “My dad’s the one who watches video and photographs and places collectively the sport plan. For me, a reputation is a reputation. The hit listing is the hit listing and I’m simply going to proceed to go in there and take out folks separately. Paul Hughes, he’s a troublesome cat. I can’t take something away from him. He’s been in there, he’s been combating and I’m simply going to go in there and present him I’m a distinct breed.
“I’ve been in his place so I do know that younger, hungry feeling. I keep in mind the primary time I fought a vet. My first vet was Pat Curran. So I do not forget that hungry feeling. I keep in mind wanting that second. I’m older however I ain’t that previous. I’m nonetheless holding my floor. I’m going to do what I do finest and that’s come out victorious by any means.
