A.J. McKee and Paul Hughes involved in tense sit-down interview ahead of PFL: Battle of the Giants

A.J. McKee and Paul Hughes were involved in a tense sit-down interview ahead of PFL: Battle of the Giants, which will see them clash in the main card opener. The bout could also have major implications as the winner could possibly receive a title shot against Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov.

'The Mercenary' and the Irishman have had a few exchanges ahead of their bout including one on a Bellator broadcast shortly after it was officially announced for the PFL: Battle of the Giants card. During their joint sit-down interview with Dan Hardy ahead of the event, Hughes mentioned that they are at different stages of their career:

"A lot of respect for A.J. [McKee], I just think we are at different points of our career mentally. I have absolutely everything to gain, this is everything to me...I haven't made money yet, he has. Money brings comfort and that's just the reality." [7:32 - 7:50]

McKee clapped back by noting that he hasn't changed despite his success and financial gain from winning the $1 million Bellator featherweight Grand Prix in 2021. He mentioned that he is motivated and hungrier than ever:

"I will go out and die on my shield before I give in, that's the type of person I am. I'm not fighting for me, I'm not fighting for just my family, I'm fighting for my country...Honor, legacy, everything...I've made well off chunks of money but to me that's still not enough. I'm never content, I'm never comfortable." [8:07 - 8:47]

Check out the full sit-down interview featuring A.J. McKee and Paul Hughes below:

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A.J. McKee laughs off Paul Hughes' trash talk ahead of PFL: Battle of the Giants

A.J. McKee has been making the media rounds ahead of his highly anticipated lightweight clash against Paul Hughes and recently laughed off the Irishman's trash talking.

During his appearance on The MMA Casuals, McKee recalled their interaction during a Bellator broadcast and mentioned that Hughes was seeking validation from the panelists:

"I read body language very well. It's like a little gift of mine. So after he says his little, 'Boring', comments, he looks at them like, 'Huh, they're on my side'. Alright, buddy, no one's going to be on your side when fu**ing cage closes." [20:42 - 20:57]

Check out the full interview with A.J. McKee below: