5 Possible fights for A.J. McKee in Bellator

#2. A.J. McKee vs. Patricky ‘Pitbull’ Freire – Bellator lightweight championship

Photo credit: Lucas Noonan / Bellator MMA

If McKee decides to move up to lightweight, an immediate title shot against Patricky ‘Pitbull’ Freire shouldn’t be ruled out.

It hasn’t yet been confirmed whether McKee will defend his featherweight championship, especially now that Patricky ‘Pitbull’ Freire is the lightweight champion. Patricky is Patricio's older brother, so a fight with McKee could generate plenty of interest for Bellator.

‘Pitbull’ won the lightweight championship at Bellator 270 after defeating Peter Queally by second-round TKO. Patricky looked great in that fight and didn’t take a significant amount of damage. Timing for a bout with McKee wouldn’t too far-fetched even though he has fought more recently than the featherweight champion.

The buildup for Patricky ‘Pitbull’ Freire vs. A.J. McKee pretty much writes itself: Patricky fighting McKee in order to avenge his brother’s defeat, while McKee tries taking the older ‘Pitbull’ brother’s title.

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#1. A.J. McKee vs. Usman Nurmagomedov

Photo credit: Lucas Noonan / Bellator MMA

Topping this list of fights for A.J. McKee in Bellator is a lightweight bout with Usman Nurmagomedov. For McKee, it’s not a matter of if he’ll move to 155lbs, it’s a matter of when. With that in mind, a bout with Nurmagomedov could become a reality.

Nurmagomedov is the cousin of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and is arguably the promotion’s top prospect. The 23-year-old has a perfect 14-0 record and currently sits third in the lightweight rankings. He has displayed a well-rounded style and is not strictly a ground fighter. Nurmagomedov could be one win away from a title fight.

Depending on when McKee moves up to lightweight, he could possibly be matched up with Nurmagomedov in his first fight. McKee vs. Nurmagomedov could be a great headliner for a future Bellator event. The fight could sell in any big market that Bellator brings an event to.

If Bellator chooses not to have the bout take place in North America, bringing it to Moscow could be another option. Bellator President Scott Coker has stated that Fedor Emelianenko’s next bout will once again take place in Moscow. Based on those plans, perhaps that'd also be the ideal location for McKee-Nurmagomedov.

Having A.J. McKee fight Russia's own Usman Nurmagomedov on the same event as Russian legend Fedor may draw a larger crowd. It also has the potential to be the biggest fight in Bellator's history, due to both men's star potential and success.