Exclusive: A.J. McKee recounts interaction with Khabib Nurmagomedov, expresses interest in Bellator title shot against the Dagestani's cousin
A.J. McKee recently recounted his interaction with Khabib Nurmagomedov at Bellator San Diego last month and expressed interest in a lightweight title shot against 'The Eagle's cousin, Usman. The 29-year-old is believed to be the next contender in line for a title shot, but he will have to win his next bout and come out relatively unscathed to make it a reality.
The former Bellator featherweight champion and Grand Prix winner is scheduled to fight Paul Hughes at PFL: Battle of the Giants on Oct. 19. If he earns an impressive win, there will most likely be conversations for a title fight against the Dagestani.
During an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA, 'The Mercenary' recalled his exchange with the UFC Hall of Famer as he was in attendance for his pupil's title defense against Alexandr Shabliy. McKee mentioned that Khabib was well aware as to why he was in attendance and noted that the title fight could be a reality for the promotion's upcoming event in Dubai in 2025:
"I got to get through this fight with Paul Hughes, comes out injury free...[a title fight] definitely on the table. I'd love to go [to Dubai] and put on a great show. It's so funny because after the Usman and Shabliy [fight], Khabib walks by and he goes, 'See you in Dubai'...He knows why I'm there watching, they all know. [Usman's] the champ...He knows I'm scouting, they've been watching me so it's a mutual respect." [10:18 - 10:49]
Check out the full interview with A.J. McKee below:
A.J. McKee discusses easier weight cut to 155 pounds
In addition to expressing interest in a Bellator lightweight title shot against Usman Nurmagomedov, A.J. McKee discussed how his weight cut has changed since moving from featherweight to lightweight.
During the aforementioned interview, McKee mentioned that cutting down to 155 pounds has been much easier on his body compared to featherweight. He noted that it has allowed him to eat more and not stress about his weight:
"[Weight-cut to 155 pounds is] way better, dude. Instead of eating egg whites and spinach and just the most lean stuff in the world, I get to have chicken parmesan and blueberry banana pancakes every day after practice. So life's good, man. I can't complain, it's awesome." [1:30 - 1:47]
Check out the promo for A.J. McKee's next lightweight bout against Paul Hughes below: