A.J. McKee liked being able soccer kicks, and stomps in his offensive arsenal. But, he doesn’t know if it will be something that he can do 100% of the time.
Roberto de Souza was defeated by McKee via unanimous decision at the Bellator MMA vs. ZIN main event in Saitama Super Arena, Japan. The card was under RIZIN rules so “Mercenary”, who had the opportunity to do stomps, and soccer kicks during the fight.
“Man, that was so fun,” McKee told reporters following the event. It’s not something that I could do all the fights, but I did enjoy it. I look forward to doing it again. Hopefully RIZIN enjoyed the show, hope they bring me back, and we can do it again for a title.”
McKee, a former Bellator featherweight champion, is now 2-0 since making the move up to lightweight. In his prior outing, McKee earned a decision against Spike Carlyle in a wild fight at Bellator 286 in October.
Crossing from Carlyle and “Satoshi”, was an obvious change in style. De Souza definitely put his grappling skills and jiu jitsu prowess to the test — especially in round three, when he placed McKee in dangerous positions.
In the end McKee reached the last bell. He raised his hand and it was on that card. It meant the world for him, despite having “two black eyes” in the fight.
“He is a fighter. He’s one tough dude,” McKee said. He kept going with that triangle, and I felt as if he wanted to drown me in deep water. But luckily I am a great swimmer.
” This was the most amazing arena I have ever fought in. It is a fantastic place, and the people are amazing. The culture is incredible. To be honest, it was an honour to have been here. I’ve just heard so many stories and witnessed so many great fights here that to finally be here, be a part of it. … I had to redeem the last name McKee. Last time we fought here, my father broke his orbital, so I wanted to make sure I put on a great show for you guys.”
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/1/1/23533541/a-j-mckee-bellator-vs-rizin-experience-phenomenal-using-soccer-kicks-and-stomps-so-fun?rand=96749
