AJ McKee expressed his heartfelt sentiments about the uncertain future of Bellator, the MMA promotion that has been his home for his entire 22-fight career. With Bellator 301 potentially being the last show due to Viacom’s discussions to sell to the rival Professional Fighters League (PFL), McKee shared his sadness and attachment to the promotion.
In the wake of his victory over Sidney Outlaw, McKee didn’t hold back, saying, “This is my home. To see it go away, it’s sad.” For him, Bellator has been more than just a platform to showcase his fighting skills; it’s where he has grown as a fighter and as an individual. He spoke fondly of the organization, its staff, and the family-like atmosphere, emphasizing the close-knit bonds that have developed over the years.
He further added, “Everything I’ve been built off and everything I know has been through Bellator. This is my home.” McKee’s loyalty to Bellator is evident, and he’s not alone in feeling this way. Many fighters and employees of the promotion have hinted that Bellator 301 might mark the end of an era.
Nevertheless, McKee maintains a hopeful outlook, stating, “But you keep one foot in front of the other and keep walking. This journey is not going to stop. It’s just going to continue to go and go. I wish everybody the best at Bellator.” His determination to carry on, regardless of Bellator’s fate, reflects the resilience of a true fighter.
The uncertainty surrounding the future of Bellator has left fighters like McKee, who are under contract, in a state of flux. If the sale to PFL goes through, they may have the opportunity to compete in a different MMA promotion. While some have speculated that PFL might continue Bellator for a period before fully absorbing its fighters and brand, there has been no official confirmation.
One intriguing twist in this tale comes from Bellator featherweight champion Cris Cyborg, who hinted on social media that the Bellator brand might endure. Her statement, “I can confirm the story of Bellator has not ended and will continue,” adds an element of hope to the situation.
Despite the uncertainty, it’s worth noting that Bellator has played a significant role in the MMA landscape, being the second-largest promotion after the UFC since its inception in 2009. It has showcased a roster of talented fighters, including champions like Johnny Eblen, Patchy Mix, Usman Nurmagomedov, Yaroslav Amosov, Cyborg, and McKee.
Moreover, the promotion has welcomed British and Irish fighters like Leah McCourt, James Gallagher, Fabian Edwards, and Linton Vassell into its fold, showcasing the global appeal of Bellator.
However, as the future remains shrouded in uncertainty, fans and fighters alike await official announcements from the promotion’s leadership, including Bellator CEO Scott Coker, who did not appear at the post-fight news conference to address the questions surrounding the promotion’s fate.
The recent doping ban of Usman Nurmagomedov, a standout lightweight fighter, has only added to the ambiguity surrounding Bellator’s future. Despite the ban being in effect for six months, the company has yet to comment on his status as champion, leaving fans and fighters alike with more questions than answers.
As the MMA world anxiously waits for clarity on the fate of Bellator, fighters like AJ McKee remain hopeful and determined to continue their journeys in the sport, regardless of the organization they call home. The story of Bellator, filled with triumphs, controversies, and memorable moments, may not have reached its final chapter just yet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about MMA Promotion Uncertainty
Q: Why is AJ McKee sad about the potential end of Bellator?
A: AJ McKee is saddened by the possible end of Bellator because he has fought his entire 22-fight career in the promotion, considering it his home where he has grown as a fighter and developed strong bonds with the staff and organization.
Q: What is the reason behind the uncertainty of Bellator’s future?
A: Bellator’s future is uncertain because there are talks of the promotion being sold to the Professional Fighters League (PFL), which could potentially mark the end of Bellator as we know it.
Q: How has Bellator been significant in the MMA landscape?
A: Bellator has been a prominent MMA promotion since its inception in 2009, being the second-largest after the UFC. It has featured a roster of talented fighters, including champions like Cris Cyborg, Johnny Eblen, Patchy Mix, and Usman Nurmagomedov.
Q: What hope does Cris Cyborg’s statement provide regarding Bellator’s future?
A: Cris Cyborg’s statement on social media suggests that the Bellator brand may continue, adding a glimmer of hope to the uncertainty surrounding its fate.
Q: How are fighters like AJ McKee affected by the potential sale of Bellator to PFL?
A: Fighters like AJ McKee, who are under contract with Bellator, face uncertainty about their futures. If the sale to PFL goes through, they may have the opportunity to compete in a different MMA promotion.
Q: What recent event has contributed to the uncertainty surrounding Bellator?
A: The recent six-month doping ban of lightweight fighter Usman Nurmagomedov has added to the uncertainty surrounding Bellator’s future. Despite the ban, the company has not commented on his status as champion.
More about MMA Promotion Uncertainty
- AJ McKee: Learn more about AJ McKee, the Bellator fighter expressing sadness about the potential end of the promotion.
- Professional Fighters League (PFL): Explore information about the rival MMA promotion, PFL, which is in talks to potentially acquire Bellator.
- Bellator MMA: Visit Bellator’s official website to find updates and news about the promotion’s future.
- Cris Cyborg: Follow Cris Cyborg on Instagram for her statements and insights on Bellator’s future.
- Usman Nurmagomedov: Learn more about Usman Nurmagomedov, the lightweight fighter facing a six-month doping ban, contributing to the uncertainty surrounding Bellator.
- MMA: Explore the world of MMA and stay updated on developments in the sport.
2 comments
aj mckee luv bellator, sad if end, bond with org’n, homelike feel, sad!
pfl talks, uncertainty, fighters no sure, usman ban adds mess!