After a challenging 2023, MMA fighter A.J. McKee is looking forward to a fresh start in 2024, beginning with a fight against Clay Collard, and is eager to get back into title contention, with his ultimate goal being to capture the Bellator lightweight championship.
A.J. McKee had a rough 2023. He’s all set for a fresh start in 2024.
He was supposed to be in the Bellator lightweight grand prix. But then, an injury happened. He had to pull out before it even started.
He returned to the ring in November. Fought Sidney Outlaw. Spent most of the time on his back, but still won.
Now, he’s up against Clay Collard. It’s happening at the PFL vs. Bellator card on Saturday. McKee is eager for a chance to get back in the title race. The grand prix is in doubt after Bellator was sold last year.
“I’m dedicating this fight to myself,” McKee said to MMA Fighting. He wants that gold back around his waist. “Whether it’s [145 pounds, 155 pounds,] whatever it may be, I’ve just got to take one fight at a time. Can’t overlook anybody. Right now, Clay Collard is the man.”
McKee wasn’t thrilled with his last fight. “Spent 12 out of 15 minutes on my back,” he said. But he played the hand he was dealt and came out on top. Now he’s looking forward to fighting Collard in a pay-per-view event.
If he wins on Saturday, he’ll be 4-0 as a lightweight. He spent most of his career at 145 pounds. His goal remains the same: Bellator gold at 155 pounds.
Meanwhile, Usman Nurmagomedov, the current Bellator lightweight champion, is out till April. He’s serving a six-month suspension after testing positive for a banned substance.
Nurmagomedov’s win against Brent Primus was changed to a no-contest. But he kept the lightweight title. The positive test was due to prescribed medication.
What’s next for Nurmagomedov? McKee hopes it’s him.
“It’s the fight that everyone wants to see,” McKee said. He’s ready to take on Nurmagomedov. “He’s a great champ. I would love to test his skills.”
McKee doesn’t care about Nurmagomedov’s failed drug test. He’s not going to let that stop him from winning the Bellator lightweight title.
“As far as Usman being suspended, I don’t really give a s*** what he’s taking or what he’s on,” McKee said. “Take whatever the hell you want. When we get in the cage, you’ve got a fight on your hands.”
If the lightweight title is off the table after his fight with Collard, McKee might go back to featherweight. He has some unfinished business there.
The only loss on McKee’s record was to Patricio Pitbull in 2022. He wanted an immediate rematch, but it didn’t happen. He still hopes for a future fight with Pitbull.
“I’ve always been open to [returning to featherweight],” McKee said. “The fight has to make sense. Who else on the Bellator roster is there for me to fight besides Patricio Pitbull? That’s the fight everybody wants to see.”
He’s got plans. But he needs to talk to PFL. They need to figure out a game plan.