A.J. McKee has some enterprise to deal with on Saturday but when all goes nicely it appears like he’ll lastly get the combat 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 essential card but it surely appeared like a showdown towards 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 combat 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 combat everybody needs is Usman and McKee,” McKee instructed MMA Preventing. “I believe that’s what’s on the roster subsequent. That’s what all people needs and I don’t assume there’s another fights to make.
“I used to be down at [Usman’s] combat 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 combat to make occur.”
Since shifting to light-weight, McKee has gone undefeated with an ideal 4-0 report together with a lightning fast end over PFL favourite Clay Collard again in February.
This time round he’s dealing with an up and comer in Hughes, who simply signed with PFL as a free agent earlier this 12 months and solely has one combat below his belt with the promotion. Going from a win over a journeyman like Bobby King to a combat towards arguably the No. 1 contender within the light-weight division would possibly seem to be an virtually unrealistic step up in competitors.
McKee can’t get inside Hughes’ head to know what he’s considering however he plans on exhibiting him there are ranges to this recreation after they meet on Saturday.
“He actually hasn’t handled any strain,” McKee stated. “He’s simply been form of strolling via 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 all the time. That’s what we’re going to should see. How does Paul Hughes react when issues aren’t going his approach? What’s he going to be able to in these moments?
“I keep in mind desirous to be neck and neck with one of the best. Nevertheless it’s like Quick and the Livid — too quickly Junior. That’s the quote I’m trying to drop on this one.”
Reality be instructed, McKee didn’t even actually is aware of Hughes earlier than he received provided the combat as a result of he leaves scouting as much as his father and coach, Antonio McKee.
Possibly Hughes actually is the subsequent massive 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 checklist is the hit checklist and I’m simply going to proceed to go in there and take out individuals separately. Paul Hughes, he’s a troublesome cat. I can’t take something away from him. He’s been in there, he’s been preventing 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 keep in mind that hungry feeling. I keep in mind wanting that second. I’m older however I ain’t that outdated. I’m nonetheless holding my floor. I’m going to do what I do greatest and that’s come out victorious by any means.
