McKee Sets Sights on Usman Showdown Ahead of PFL Showdown

Veteran combat sports reporter, who has been covering the arena since 2003, provides an inside look into A.J. McKee’s current ambitions in the Professional Fighters League (PFL). McKee is poised to face rising contender Paul Hughes on the opening card of an anticipated pay-per-view event on Saturday.

For McKee, Saturday’s bout is more than just a match; it represents a stepping stone to his long-awaited showdown with Bellator’s lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov. McKee’s pursuit of Usman was stalled due to an injury that forced him out of the Bellator Lightweight Grand Prix. However, recent conversations with Usman’s cousin and coach have reignited hope for the contest.

“That’s the fight everyone wants,” McKee expressed to MMA Fighting. “There’s no other fight to make happen but Usman and McKee. I was at Usman’s fight in San Diego, and Khabib [Nurmagomedov] said, ‘see you in Dubai,’ indicating that plans for the highly anticipated fight are underway.”

In his transition to the lightweight division, McKee has maintained an unbeaten 4-0 streak, including a quick finish over a PFL favorite earlier in the year. His upcoming opponent, Paul Hughes, arrived at PFL as a free agent and has only participated in one fight under the promotion, making this a significant jump in competition for him.

McKee, commenting on Hughes’ lack of exposure to high-pressure situations, remarked, “He’s been walking through guys without dealing with pressure. I’ll be in his face the entire time. We’ll see how Paul Hughes reacts when things aren’t going his way.”

Despite knowing little about Hughes prior to their matchup, McKee leaves analysis to his father and trainer. Confident in his own abilities, McKee stated, “For me, a name is a name. I’m just going to go in there and take out opponents one at a time. Paul Hughes is tough, I can’t take that away from him.”

McKee recalls his own early career as a fighter with an appetite for facing veterans, emphasizing that while Hughes might exhibit a youthful hunger, McKee himself has both the experience and determination to overcome it.