A.J. McKee after winning Bellator’s featherweight grand prix and the promotion’s title (image via Bellator)

By FCF Staff

A.J. McKee believes he’s the planet’s best featherweight,  and now that he holds Bellator’s title, he wants to prove it by facing other champions.

McKee faced the renowned Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire at Bellator 263 on Saturday, and quickly ended the highly-anticipated fight, via strikes and a guillotine choke. Not only did McKee take the featherweight title from Freire, he also won the promotion’s featherweight grand prix and one million dollars.

After the thrilling win, 26-year-old made it clear he wants to prove he’s the sport’s best, by facing champions from other promotions (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“Being at 145 pounds isn’t the easiest,” McKee said. “Maybe we get some superfights going but I’m pretty much done with the division at 145 pounds, so hop up to 155 pounds. He’s the best 145-pounder – was the best. I’ve pretty much been saying it. Now people are seeing it and believing it. I am the best 145-pounder in the world whether it’s UFC, ONE FC, PFL, I don’t care who it is.

“I’ve got $1 million cash in my bank and I’d put it up against anybody else. I’m sure Showtime and Bellator, they’ll match it. Let’s do some superfights. Let’s get some big stuff going. Let’s change this sport, like I’ve been saying. Let’s do it. Let’s unify these belts.”

McKee moved his record to 18-0 with Saturday’s victory. Freire’s record fell to 32-5.