Patricio Freire and A.J. McKee (right)(image via Bellator)

By FCF Staff

Patricio Freire exchanged verbal shots with A.J. McKee leading up to their Bellator 263 bout. But, following his loss to the rising star, ‘Pitbull’ congratulated McKee on his performance.

McKee rocked Freire with a head kick not long into the fight, and after flooring the renowned fighter with punches, he secured a fight-ending, guillotine choke.

Immediately after the fight was halted, Freire – who never tapped – appear to disagree with the stoppage. But, after the event, the star praised McKee (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“On this night, he was great,” Freire said. “He kicked my head, and he almost knocked me out, and he almost finished me. He was good, congratulations.”

Since Freire still holds the lightweight title, and because McKee has said he wants to fight at 155 pounds, there’s already talk about a rematch at lightweight. Freire, however, stopped short of committing to the contest.

I know he’s big, I know he has trouble cutting weight,” Freire said, when asked about the possibility of fighting McKee at lightweight. “Let’s think about it. I have a belt. I’m still a world champion.”

Freire (32-5) had won seven straight fights prior to facing McKee (18-0).