Bellator’s biggest homegrown star, former featherweight champ A.J. McKee, faced one of the PFL’s hottest up-and-comers in Paul Hughes at Saturday’s Battle of the Giants card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
McKee had moved to lightweight since losing his Bellator title back to Patricio Pitbull, the man he had won it from. As a 155’er, after years of teasing a move up in weight, McKee was unbeaten through four fights, including a win over RIZIN champ Roberto de Souza.
Hughes had earned his first win under the PFL/Bellator banner in June, finishing Bobby King.
This was a major step up in competition for the young Irish standout, but one he proved to be ready for.
From the opening bell Hughes walked McKee down, forcing the former Bellator champion to fight of his back foot against the cage. McKee desperately attempted to get the fight to the ground, but Hughes showed impressive takedown defense throughout the contest. In the final thirty seconds of round one, Hughes landed a massive right hand that almost finished the fight. The first five minutes were clearly in favor of Hughes.
In round two McKee again tried for takedowns but was unsuccessful, Hughes showed patience not entering into the guard of the former champion. On the feet it was all Hughes, stalking forward with big punches. On my scorecard Hughes was ahead 2-0 entering the final round.
McKee pushed Hughes to the cage and tried to land takedowns in the clinch but was again unsuccessful. For the first time in his career McKee looked tired and stiff on the feet. Hughes out landed McKee again in the third round, finishing off an impressive performance and the biggest win of his career.
When the fight went to the scorecards most watching believed a 30-27 victory for Hughes was a forgone conclusion. To everyone’s surprise the judges in attendance scored the fight a split decision. Hughes had to overcome a scare on the cards but likely propelled himself into a title opportunity opposite Usman Nurmagomedov with this victory.
Official Result: Paul Hughes def. AJ McKee by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
