AJ McKee got back in the win column with a one-sided decision win at Bellator 286 this past weekend.
A former champion, McKee tested himself in a new weight class against Spike Carlyle. And, as has been the case more often than not, he shined bright.
“It was a fun fight. I enjoyed it,” McKee said. “He was a little bit bigger, a little bit stronger. In due time. Let my body adjust to the weight… He was taking ‘em. Bigger boys, though, their chins are just a little bit stronger. I’m always looking for the finish, but I can’t over-exert myself to the point where I’m gassed from trying to beat the brakes off somebody.
“It was kind of crazy, because my gameplan was to get on him like that. It threw me off a bit, but it was just a little adjustment. I hit him a couple of times, and I think he had to respect the power, and he realized it’s a fight.
“It’s all fun and games. It’s entertainment. It’s for the fans. Nothing but respect for him. We prayed together. At the end of the day, we’re warriors. This is how we put food on the table for our families. It’s honor and respect, always.”
For McKee, taking on rival Patricio Pitbull seems to be in the cards. Pitbull defended his featherweight title with a win over Adam Borics in the main event.
“Not really [impressed with Pitbull’s performance],” he said. “Great fight, cool. I was more impressed with Borics, I would say. It was his first five fives. You learn a lot about somebody, especially yourself. It’s different. That’s why I enjoyed fighting five fives with Pitbull, but if we fight again, we’re not going five.”