Once the Bellator featherweight champion, AJ McKee was considered one of the best fighters in mixed martial arts following his win over Patricio Pitbull. However, after a controversial loss in the rematch, McKee moved up to 155 pounds.

McKee is at a crucial turning point in his career heading into PFL Cape Town. Coming into this fight off just the second loss of his 24-fight career, McKee is hungry to return to title contention. Following a four-fight win streak at lightweight, McKee dropped a split decision against Paul Hughes in a title eliminator, forcing his hand to make a decision he had long seen coming: his return to 145 pounds.

AJ McKee ready to reclaim status as top featherweight

McKee made his plans clear ahead of his return to featherweight, speaking during the PFL Cape Town media day.

“Just coming back to the 145-pound division and showing everyone again who the best in the world is at this division.”

“I think now it’s honestly a bit easier going back down. When I was younger, I didn’t really diet properly. Just young and a little reckless, so you do wild things, but being a bit older now, I’d say it’s not as hard.”

McKee’s move to 155 had been criticized, as his performances seemed less impressive than when at 145. Despite this, he still fought his way into the title picture, all while knowing his return to featherweight was imminent.

“I was a fight away from the title at 155, lost a split decision, I wasn’t healthy, hadn’t been healthy. I just figured, what better time? I’m healthy and I wanna reclaim being the best in the world.”

McKee continued, “I think that everything happens the way it’s supposed to, the way that it needs. I’ve always said it, I’m really not a 155-pounder; everyone knows I’m a 145-pounder, so I was just having fun. I was eating blueberry banana pancakes and chicken parm every day. Going back to 145 pounds, I’m just meaner, hungrier, and that’s where my advantage is.”

McKee gets the chance to throw his name back into title contention at 145 pounds this weekend in South Africa, a new location with cultural meaning for McKee.

“I think it’s awesome to be here in South Africa, especially with my family coming from Africa. We’ve talked about it for many years. Being able to come here and have business and have fans here already, it’s phenomenal. It’s awesome to be embraced by the people embraced by the culture and showcase my skillset at the same time.”

Watch the full PFL Africa media day appearance by AJ McKee above.