Almost two minutes of scoring and a kick that changed everything. Thus, so quickly, one could summarize the combat that AJ McKee had on Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire at Bellator 263 (July 31, 2021). The surprise was huge. The Brazilian was considered the best pound for pound in the company and seemed ‘untouchable’. McKee, who was undefeated and in the big test of him, knocked him out with a kick and finished him off with a submission. A seen and not seen. From the initial shock he went on to revenge. It was logical and it will take place this Friday in the star of Bellator 277. They both have a lot at stake.
McKee, 27, is considered a great talent, it was confirmed … but he needs to do it again. With such a quick victory (117″), it can be considered by many a “stroke of luck“. He is a very complete fighter and he must prove it. For his part, Pitbull, 35, wants to make it clear that it was a bad night. He has proven to be a very complete fighter who knows how to adapt to everything. He will have less wingspan and will have to enter there without risking, he knows the power of his opponent. That will be the key to the fight. The forecast, on paper, is unknown. Both have weapons to end the fight at any time, it all depends on who shoots first. If the lawsuit is going to drag on, the Brazilian’s experience should be a degree… but everything is confusing. McKee’s victory shattered any forecast. It only remains to see the fight. The cage will be the best possible judge.
Nemkov, for the undisputed
Bellator 277 will be of a high level. In the co-star duel there will be another title at stake and a Grand Prix will also be closed, that of the light heavyweight. Vadim Nemkov takes on Corey Anderson. The 29-year-old Russian is the new sensation in the category. He dethroned Ryan Bader and in the Grand Prix he easily beat Phill Davis and Julius Anglickas. Winning the tournament would give him an untouchable halo and leave him as the undisputed number one in the division. While, Corey Anderson gets a bit covered up. The ex-UFC, 32, is experiencing a great moment. He has only lost one of his last eight fights (to former UFC champion Jan Blachowicz) and is coming off knocking out the heavy favorite on that side of the draw, Ryan Bader. Despite everything, he starts behind in the bets. Nemkov seems superior to the rest and is more complete than Anderson, who hopes that his punch will serve to crown him.