Aj Mckee

AJ McKee is the son of former MMA fighter Antonio McKee and a product of Long Beach, California, where he developed his craft at Body Shop Fitness alongside elite teammates. After a 7-1 amateur record, he turned professional in 2015 and spent his entire career in Bellator MMA, where he became one of the promotion's most accomplished featherweights. McKee earned a reputation as a submission savant, accumulating the most submission wins in Bellator featherweight history and recording multiple Submission of the Year awards. His trajectory accelerated in 2019 when he entered the prestigious 16-man Bellator Featherweight World Grand Prix. He advanced through three fights, each showcasing his ability to control and finish opponents: a knockout of Georgi Karakhanyan in eight seconds, a third-round submission of Derek Campos, and a first-round neck crank of Darrion Caldwell that earned widespread accolades.

McKee's defining moment came on July 31, 2021, in the Grand Prix final against Patrício Pitbull, the division's long-reigning and seemingly untouchable champion. In a stunning upset, McKee dropped Pitbull with strikes early and locked in a guillotine choke just 1:57 into the first round. The victory gave McKee the Bellator featherweight title and the $1 million grand prize, making him a millionaire at 26 and cementing his status as one of the promotion's elite. However, Pitbull reclaimed his title in a tightly contested 2022 rematch, handing McKee his first professional loss and snapping an 18-fight unbeaten streak. Undeterred, McKee moved to lightweight and competed in the PFL Lightweight Grand Prix, fighting at the highest levels before returning to featherweight in 2025 and 2026.

As a fighter, McKee is a relentless high-pace pressure fighter with an exceptionally lethal submission game. He mixes strikes and grappling seamlessly, wearing opponents down with volume and hunting neck submissions and chokes. His durability in the pocket and willingness to engage in extended exchanges make him a fans' fighter: he is always in motion, always attacking, always seeking a finish. McKee's appeal extends beyond pure technique; he represents an older breed of fighter who stayed loyal to Bellator and the PFL, refusing to chase the UFC spotlight despite his résumé. His work ethic, infectious enthusiasm for competition, and adrenaline-fueled personality (he has spoken of post-MMA careers in law enforcement and maritime work) make him a respected veteran and genuine crowd favorite. Currently ranked #2 in the PFL featherweight division and #8 in the men's pound-for-pound rankings, McKee remains a major force in the featherweight landscape, competing against top contenders and eyeing another run at championship gold.