AJ McKee vs Clay Collard
One of the great spoilers in modern combat sports, Clay Collard, competes in yet another high profile, exciting bout against former Bellator champion AJ McKee to kick off the pay-per-view card of Bellator VS PFL. Collard had a short-lived UFC career but rose to prominence in 2020 with his violent combination punching in the boxing ring, particularly showcased in his upset, ‘Fight of the Year’ contender victory over touted prospect Ray Guajardo. ‘Cassius’ Clay then took that same ability to the PFL SmartCage, where he won victories over former top UFC fighters Anthony Pettis, Jeremy Stephens, and Shane Burgos, the latter two being the best fights of their respective PFL seasons.
Clay Collard vs. Shane Burgos (PFL Semifinals)
-Best fight in PFL history / 2023 FOTY contender
-Over 650 combined thrown strikes in 15 mins#PFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/Z9vDz5IeZ2— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) August 24, 2023
His insane volume, heavy hands, and thudding body-hitting will be contrasted by the high-level wrestling and grappling or AJ McKee. Though McKee can certainly strike, the grappling is where he should hold an advantage if he chooses to use it and is why Collard is once again an underdog. AJ was once 18-0 and a Bellator FW champion after finishing the aforementioned GOAT, Patricio Pitbull, but his split decision loss in the rematch caused him to then move up to lightweight, where he has won three straight by decision, including Bellator’s 2022 Fight of the Year against Spike Carlyle. While McKee could run through Collard on the ground, this high-level MMA fight has potential to be a real war, as well.
