A.J. McKee (Credit: RIZIN FF)
AJ McKee opens up on time away from fighting and eagerness to get back in cage
After winning $1 million in the featherweight World Grand Prix, AJ McKee had plans to come into the Lightweight World Grand Prix and not only with another $1 million grand prize, but become a two-weight world champion inside Bellator MMA. Unfortunately, McKee suffered a medical issue that forced him out of a matchup against Patricky Pitbull in 2022.
Now a year later, AJ McKee returns at Bellator 301 against Sidney Outlaw, ready to get back to work, while letting it be known he never lost focus. Speaking to the media this week, McKee discussed his time away, what he learned from it, and how his Father kept him motivated and focused throughout.
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“I mean you never take anything for granted through thick and thin, you just stay prayed up and you keep your eye on the prize. Initially I thought alright, this is over, ‘I’m not back in the tournament, tournament’s done, million dollars’ so just fight anybody and everybody until you get to that title. Pops, I call him the Wizard, he’s over there saying just stay prayed up, man, things happen in mysterious ways and man, sure enough dude, crazy things happen.”
Getting back to competition and being among the best in the world is the singular focus for AJ McKee, and while there is no telling what happens with the Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix, McKee has made it clear he won’t stop until he’s champion once again.
At Bellator 301, McKee will face Sidney Outlaw who most recently defeated Islam Mamedov and has only lost twice since 2019. A tough matchup against a very game opponent not only awaits AJ McKee upon his return, but it also gives him another opportunity to get himself back into the title picture and become a two-weight world champion.
