A.J. McKee, once considered among the elite featherweights in the sport, made the strategic move to the lightweight division (155 pounds) after a disheartening decision loss to Patricio Pitbull in 2022.
Following this transition, McKee secured four consecutive victories, a winning streak that led to a crucial bout against promising contender Paul Hughes. This highly anticipated fight was essentially a lightweight title eliminator, with the victor slated to challenge then-Bellator champion Usman Nurmagomedov. Although McKee ultimately lost via split decision, he expresses no remorse regarding his performance, particularly given the challenging circumstances he faced at the time.
“I had shoulder surgery right before the last fight,” McKee disclosed. “A lot of people didn’t know. It wasn’t something I was open about. Obviously, I don’t want people knowing I’m hurt. But I had shoulder surgery right before the last fight, doctors told me not to fight. But you’ve got to go do what you’ve got to do. I fell a little bit short. Now coming full circle, I’m feeling healthy, feeling strong and better than ever. No more shoulder pain, no more aches and we’re returning to the 145-pound division to show and remind everyone who the best 145-pounder in the world is again.”
He provided details on the extensive nature of his injury: “I had a tear in my pec, my labrum, my bicep and then they shaved down my AC and my rotator [cuff] so I had full shoulder repair.” McKee confirmed his complete recovery, noting, “It wasn’t too shabby. I don’t have any aches, no pains, no positions where I feel like it’s going to give out. It’s back to normal.”
While this revelation of pre-fight surgery might seem like an excuse for his defeat, McKee insists that the decision to compete while injured was entirely his own choice.
Despite wishing he had been at peak physical condition, McKee affirms he gave his all, falling just short in a closely contested bout.
“At the end of the day, I went in there and fought. It’s on me,” McKee stated. “It was a close fight. I can genuinely say I wasn’t myself. I think a lot of people realized and say that as well. Like ‘dude A.J. looks drained, he looks out of it.’ I was tired after the first round all the way through. I gave it all I had. But I don’t think people realize surgeries take a toll on your brain, on your body, everything.”
He admitted that competing without completing his physical therapy “wasn’t the brightest thing in the world,” but focused on his fundamental ability to fight: “I can throw some punches so that’s all that matters.” McKee views the experience as a valuable opportunity, noting, “We made it look good and it was a great opportunity. I can’t say it was a missed opportunity because I went in there and did what I could. That’s life.”
McKee`s decision to revert to featherweight wasn`t solely driven by his recent loss to Hughes; he always anticipated a return to the 145-pound division eventually.
However, missing out on a lightweight title shot against Nurmagomedov, a fight he had long pursued, ultimately accelerated his return to featherweight.
While he might consider lightweight again in the future, McKee firmly believes he is virtually invincible when performing at his peak in the featherweight division.
“It’s time to make a statement again,” McKee declared. “At the end of the day, I love titles. I love fighting through things that should either break you or set you back. Being a fight away from the title at 155 pounds, the lightweight division, falling short and being a fight away from the title, it’s just kind of a reminder that you’re still one of the baddest dudes on the planet.”
He aims to “Return to 145 pound division, run it there again and remind the world who is the baddest 145-pounder in the world again.” McKee feels this comeback is long overdue, drawing parallels to his previous featherweight return after his first career loss in that division: “After I lost my first fight in the 145-pound division, I came back on fire. Now it’s just get back to showing everyone who the baddest man in the 145-pound division is.”
Previously, McKee found himself frustrated by a scarcity of fresh challenges in the featherweight division, having largely overcome most top contenders before his intense rivalry with Patricio Pitbull.
However, the recent merger between PFL and Bellator has opened up a new pool of diverse opponents, re-energizing McKee`s motivation as he eyes another championship belt sooner rather than later.
Furthermore, this marks only the second loss of his professional career, a feeling McKee strongly dislikes, fueling his desire for immediate redemption.
“I lost but guess what? I’m still the baddest man on the planet in this division,” McKee boldly declared. He reflected on his lightweight venture as a demonstration of his overall skill: “I was one fight away from being the baddest man in [the lightweight] division. I think the whole walk at lightweight was to show everyone more so that I’m really one of the best fighters on the planet whether it’s 145 or 155. I can hold my own in any division. It’s not about the weight, it’s more about the skill set and the mindset. That’s kind of what my take was on the 155-pound division. At 145 pounds, I don’t care who it is, if you’re in front of me, I’m coming to take your head off.”
He concluded by emphasizing his fierce, renewed determination: “Obviously I suffered that loss and every time I lose, I come back with a vengeance. I’m hungrier than ever. In the featherweight division, I don’t care who it is.”
