AJ McKee vows to again down from Patrício “Pitbull” Freire in potential trilogy
AJ McKee suffered his first loss in April this April. Months later, he is nonetheless processing the choice.
“Having one thing actually out of my palms and brought from me, it hit a bit bit completely different,” says McKee (18-1), who misplaced his featherweight title by unanimous choice to Patrício “Pitbull” Freire in Bellator 277. “She struck a few nerves.”
It wasn’t simply that Pitbull regained the bantamweight title and his place on the high of the division. It could not evaluate to McKee’s shot at lacking a purpose he spent years dreaming and sweating about, which vanished instantly after listening to the controversial choice introduced.
The fiercely aggressive and intensely proficient McKee skilled a variety of feelings within the months following his title loss. It has been 1 / 4 of a yr and the loss has served as a reminder – albeit a painful one – that it’ll take exponentially greater than a flawed scorecard to interrupt McKee’s spirit.
“I am nonetheless undefeated in life,” says McKee. “I do know some folks noticed it in a different way, just like the judges. However I undoubtedly received that battle.
“I needed to be the very best, undefeated like Khabib [Nurmagomedov], however make it much more enjoyable. Khabib’s fashion is similar to my father’s. He did not get the glory, recognition or respect that I feel he deserved, in order that was numerous gasoline for me to make the McKee title the very best ever within the sport. And I’ll. For me, it is simply staying on monitor. I am utilizing this as a kick to inspire me.”
McKee eyes a win in his subsequent battle, scheduled for Bellator 286 on October 1.
Jerry Lai/USA TODAY Sports activities
The inevitable inevitably occurs, which aptly describes the longer term for McKee and Pitbull. Each are on the upcoming Bellator 286 card on Oct. 1, with Pitbull defending his featherweight title towards Adam Borics, whereas McKee strikes as much as light-weight for a showdown towards Spike Carlyle.
Though their paths progress in several instructions, the 2 proud warriors stay tightly intertwined. The 286 card takes place in McKee’s hometown of Lengthy Seaside, California, and there will probably be no scarcity of cheers to welcome him — in addition to loads of questions on a 3rd battle towards Pitbull.
Given ample time to mirror and reassess, McKee’s soul-searching has him plotting his subsequent transfer. There’s unfinished enterprise with Pitbull, and after splitting their first two matches, there will not be any closure till they battle a 3rd time.
“Would you like the entire trilogy?” says McKee, who’s simply turning 27. I needed to sit again and charge and charge. Proper after the battle, I wasn’t combating him. Why would I do it? I received that battle. However I wish to battle now. I’ve yet one more assertion to make.
“If it was as much as me, he would battle me in Lengthy Seaside. He thought the vitality within the Discussion board was electrifying? Wait till he is in Lengthy Seaside. He is not going to even battle with me and nonetheless be cursed.”
Earlier than the tantalizing proposition of a trilogy materializes, McKee has a brand new adversary to deal with in Carlyle. This must be a roar of a battle, with each fascinating behaviors contained in the cage. However it’s definitely unusual that McKee — Bellator’s largest homegrown fighter, with 18 straight wins and a title run — is not taking up a higher-profile opponent.
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“If it was as much as me, I needed to battle Benson [Henderson]”, says McKee. “Stylistically, it could be an enormous battle. General, I needed Pitbull—not Patrìcio, as a result of I already beat him—I needed Patricky. I needed to maintain it within the household. However I am not selecting fights. Usman [Nurmagomedov] simply beat somebody who wasn’t ranked, and he is a stable 55-pounder. However I am magically selecting folks? I feel due to my abilities and the way good I’m, folks attempt to low cost all the pieces I do. It would not actually matter to me. I’ll go on the market and do what I do greatest, and that is placed on a present and entertain the followers.”
McKee at Bellator 221.
Jerry Lai/USA TODAY Sports activities
McKee additionally defined his choice to take the light-weight battle.
“When the match wasn’t provided and so they mentioned there was no probability of a rematch, I felt there was no cause to remain within the division,” says McKee. “If I am not combating for the title, there is not any level in going by means of my physique to chop weight to get to 45. I’ve all the time needed to be a 55-pound light-weight champion like my dad. Turning into a champion was my authentic purpose. That did not occur, however I am unable to wait to get in there. We’re about to blast by means of some sh–. I’m getting into this struggle with dangerous intentions.
“You will note that there isn’t a restrict to what I can do. Jake Paul is searching for a battle. I do not like his conduct, his perspective. He’s too filled with himself for me. He’s disrespectful. I’ll battle it too. I am a great man with an enormous coronary heart, however now it will be completely different.”
Whatever the consequence at Bellator 286 or, doubtlessly, in a boxing ring, it would not take a fortune teller to foretell McKee and Pitbull’s destiny. It is destined to be a decisive, winner-takes-all third bout.
“I’ll retire it,” McKee says. “If he beats Borics and would not retire, I need a battle. I would like that on the report – and I am going again to 145 kilos as a result of I do know he would not need me to make him 155.
McKee is offended, however not blinded by emotion or jealousy. Conscious that these subsequent few fights may elevate his standing in direction of turning into a worldwide determine in combating, he continues that journey with one other unusual transfer towards Spike Carlyle. Nonetheless, displaying the identical endurance that makes him so harmful within the cage, McKee will probably be able to pounce when the time is true.
“I’ve a protracted strategy to go,” says McKee. “Clearly, my final battle was not my greatest efficiency. Even on my worst day, I knew Patrício could not beat me. And that was my worst day – and he could not beat me.”
It is easy to quickly lose sight of the truth that McKee’s subsequent battle is not towards Pitbull. Clearly that crash is coming.
“I’ll win my subsequent battle,” McKee says. “And keep in mind, if you’re the champion, you name the pictures. He needed a rematch once I was champion and I honored him with that. I signed on the dotted line, I confirmed as much as battle. Whether or not he wins or loses this Borics battle, let’s examine if he indicators on the dotted line.”
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Justin Barrasso may be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com. Comply with him on Twitter @Justin Barrasso.
