5 cross-promotion fights involving UFC stars that could guarantee a slugfest

#2. Max Holloway (UFC) vs. Patricio 'Pitbull' Freira (Bellator)

Max Holloway would need to be at his best to defeat Bellator star Patricio Pitbull

While he was recently defeated by A.J. McKee, losing his Bellator featherweight title in the process, there’s still a case to suggest that Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire might be the best striker outside the UFC right now.

The Brazilian has been destroying opponents with his brutal strikes for years now, and even holds a knockout win over former UFC lightweight title challenger Michael Chandler.

However, the UFC has a featherweight who would probably claim he’s the best striker in MMA, period – former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway.

‘Blessed’ lost his title to Alexander Volkanovski after a semi-controversial decision in 2019, but since then he’s bounced back with a win over tough contender Calvin Kattar – a victory that saw him demonstrate some phenomenal boxing skills.

I'M THE BEST BOXER IN THE UFC!!!! #UFCFightIsland7 pic.twitter.com/Nfc4Csp6f4

— UFC (@ufc) January 16, 2021

A fight between these two former champions, then, would probably be absolutely crazy to watch – particularly when you consider that both men also have excellent skills on the ground and are capable of submitting any opponent too.

This wouldn’t be a champion vs. champion clash at this stage, but that wouldn’t stop it from practically guaranteeing some fireworks.

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#1. Alexander Volkanovski (UFC) vs. A.J. McKee (Bellator)

A fight between Alexander Volkanovski and A.J. McKee might be the best inter-promotional fight to be made right now

Right now, there’s a pretty fair argument to make that the best fighter outside the UFC is the new Bellator featherweight champion A.J. McKee. ‘Mercenary’, who destroyed Patricio Freire to claim his title last weekend, is now 18-0 in MMA.

More importantly, Bellator’s crown jewel is also a ruthless finisher inside the cage, with six wins by knockout and seven via submission on his ledger. McKee clearly believes he can defeat any 145lber on the planet, and he might be right.

MONEY 💰#Bellator263 pic.twitter.com/5gByAT8GhJ

— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) August 1, 2021

But could he defeat current UFC featherweight titleholder Alexander Volkanovski? Right now it’s impossible to say, but one thing is for certain – it would make for a fantastic fight.

Volkanovski doesn’t bring the same wildness as Yair Rodriguez or Zabit Magomedsharipov, nor is he as accomplished a striker as Max Holloway. However, he’s still a tremendously exciting and aggressive fighter who throws heavy shots in combinations.

Add in the Australian’s tremendous takedown defense and underrated offensive wrestling, and this would be a fight that could see anything happen.

Essentially, it might be the best cross-promotion fight that could be made in the world of MMA right now.