A.J. Mckee Stay’s with Bellator
Bellator President Scott Coker recently announced that top Lightweight contender and former Featherweight Champion A.J. Mckee signed a new “multi-fight” deal. Coker stated that Mckee is still going to be involved in the Bellator Lightweight Grand Prix this year and he is excited to have Mckee represent the promotion moving forward. At 27 years old Mckee is one of the most talented fighters in the world at 145 and 155 pounds and helped carry the Bellator brand over the last few years. Most recently Mckee competed in the Bellator vs Rizin card on New Year’s Eve. Mckee was the main event of that show defeating Rizin Lightweight champion Roberto De Souza by unanimous decision. Since moving up to 155 pounds Mckee is (2-0) and has looked in top form.
Mckee will immediately have a massive opportunity in front of him this year being involved in Bellator’s Lightweight tournament. Also in the tournament are top fighters including Former UFC Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson (30-11), current undefeated Bellator Champion Usman Nurmagomedov, and #2 ranked Tofiq Musayev (20-4). Mckee’s first matchup in the tournament will be against Patricky “Pitbull” who is the brother of Mckee’s former featherweight rival Patricio “Pitbull” Freire. Patricky is a seasoned veteran who recently lost a lopsided decision to Usman Nurmagomedov in Chicago. MMA fans everywhere would love to see a potential super fight between Mckee (21-1) and Nurmagomedov (16-0) in the tournament. Many interesting opponents are out there for Mckee who will be staying with Bellator for the foreseeable future.
Light Heavyweight Champion Vadim Nemkov Re-signs with Bellator
Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion Vadim Nemkov has signed a new “multi-year” deal that will keep him with the promotion. Nemkov recently defeated Cory Anderson (16-6) to win the Light Heavyweight tournament and was scheduled to defend his title against former UFC veteran Yoel Romero. Nemkov, unfortunately, had to withdraw from his fight with Romero (15-6) but will likely still defend his belt early this year. In his time with Bellator Nemkov has defeated well-respected fighters like Ryan Bader, Phil Davis and Liam Mcgeary.
Nemkov is on an 11-fight unbeaten streak dating back to his fights with Karl Albreksson and UFC Light Heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka in Rizin. Since moving to Bellator Nemkov has gone 8-0 earning a finish in five of these wins. Not many fighters on Bellator’s roster can match up favorably against Nemkov who is as well-rounded as they come. Against Cory Anderson in November, Nemkov displayed a new level of creativity and confidence in his striking knocking down Anderson in round one with a spinning heel kick. Nemkov’s takedown defense was also crucial in that victory.
If Vadim gets through the “Soldier of God” Yoel Romero he may move up to challenge for the Heavyweight title. Nemkov holds a knockout win over Bellator Heavyweight champion Ryan Bader and would be a betting favorite in a rematch. Badar will defend his Heavyweight title against Nemkov’s trainer and mentor Fedor Emelianenko February 4th on CBS.
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