Undefeated Bellator Featherweight A.J. McKee is a future superstar for the promotion. As he waits out the pandemic like the rest of us, McKee bides his time by working on his Honda CR-X, a car model that is older than the 25-year-old.
The forced-time off for A.J. McKee has helped him recover from knee surgery he underwent this past January. McKee suffered a “completely torn LCL” as the undefeated Bellator Featherweight described.
The 16-0 Featherweight is recovering in Los Angeles as he waits for the company to get back into the cage. McKee’s last fight was in December when he defeated Derek Campos via armbar in the 3rd round. The fight was part of the Bellator Featherweight World Grand Prix Quarterfinals. McKee would have to wait until the other Grand Prix Quarterfinal is completed before fighting again in the semifinals. But with the rehab for his knee, he believes he should be ready when the time comes. A showdown with Darrion Caldwell set for June 6th is off and in all likelihood the promotion will hold the two quarterfinals in the other bracket between current Featherweight champion Patricio Freire and Pedro Carvalho and Emmanuel Sanchez and Daniel Weichel prior to running McKee-Caldwell.
“The Mercenary” is in the family business. Long-time MMA fans know McKee’s father Antonio is a veteran of MMA. “This is a lifelong dream of mine,” said McKee, “Watching my father [fight], for me this is my life. I’m a second-generation fighter.”
The elder McKee is A.J.’s coach which is a blessing and sometimes harsh. “It sucks honestly,” McKee joked. “He knows me. If I’m acting that I’m tired, he knows my body. I wouldn’t say he’s hard on may, but he’s not easier on me.” The 50-year old McKee last fought in September of last year on the same Bellator card as his son. It was the first time in the cage in 5 years but the elder McKee earned a TKO of William Sriyapai. “He’s been in the game for a while. Sometimes there’s ups and downs but I know he as my best interest in mind,” said the younger McKee.
At this point, McKee is just getting back in the gym after his knee surgery. He’s been working on technical standpoint of his boxing while his knee heals.
McKee is not too concerned with protecting his undefeated record when he gets back in the cage. “Once I step foot in the cage, I like to make it saucy,” affirming that he turns on another mentality when he’s in fight mode.
When McKee is not in the gym, he likes working on his car. Notably, he has an affection for Honda CRX’s stating that he’s owned 5. The Honda CR-X was a small, 3-door coupe that was known for its small, light frame that ws built through 1991. “Its light and literally my feet are pushing to the pedals,” added McKee, “[i]ts a West coast thing.” McKee’s 1990 CR-X predates him by 5 years. He’s fixed up the car adding more horsepower.
Bellator has been in contact with McKee to inquire how he’s been after surgery. “They are always real caring about the fighters,” said McKee of the promotion. “They want to know how you’re doing rather than how you are going to make the fight.” He says that the attention has been overwhelming at times as McKee tends to keep to himself. “I’m good, I keep grinding,” he tells Bellator. “They built me to where I am,” he said of the promotion and its care for his career. He began his pro career with Bellator and it looks like that he will continue on with it. “They keep putting people in front of me and I continue to take them out,” said the Featherweight.
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