Bellator MMA Re-Signs A.J. McKee to Exclusive, Multi-Year Contract

A.J. McKee is going to remain a Bellator MMA athlete for the foreseeable future.

The California-based promotion on Tuesday announced that it has re-signed the former featherweight champion to an exclusive, multi-fight contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. In a release, Bellator president Scott Coker also indictated that McKee’s next move will be to compete in the lightweight grand prix.

“Our top priority has always been to cultivate talent from the ground up, and with A.J. I can proudly say we have witnessed this young man blossom into a bonafide superstar in the Bellator cage,” said Scott Coker. “It’s also our priority to retain top talent, and with A.J. entering the prime of his career, it was important to make sure he continued representing the Bellator brand, much like he did recently in Japan, for the foreseeable future. I am looking forward to A.J.’s next challenge, an appearance in our 2023 Bellator lightweight world grand Prix, which showcases the best 155-pounders in the world.”

McKee has established himself as one of Bellator’s top stars since his debut with the promotion in 2015. “Mercenary” holds promotional records for most consecutive victories, featherweight submissions wins (seven) and featherweight stoppages (13). His resume includes victories over the likes of Patricio Freire, Darrion Caldwell, Georgi Karakhanyan, Pat Curran, John Teixeira and Justin Lawrence.

The 27-year-old Team Bodyshop representatiive is coming off a unanimous decision triumph against Rizin lightweight king Roberto Satoshi de Souza on New Year’s Eve — his second victory since moving to 155 pounds. A date for Bellator’s lightweight grand prix has not been announced.