Adam Borics might change divisions — and nickname — in 2027, but first he wants the PFL belt

The move to lightweight is a path A.J. McKee Jr. has previously explored, competing at 155 pounds before returning to the featherweight division where he achieved championship status in Bellator. However, Borics, known as "The Kid," does not anticipate "The Mercenary" McKee to possess a significant size advantage once they step into the PFL cage. "I’m a big 45er too," Borics revealed to MMA Fighting, underscoring his own substantial frame for the featherweight class. "I’m thinking already for like four years to move up to 155. I think maybe this is the last year for me at 145. It’s not easy to make me 145, but for him too." This statement highlights the mutual challenges both elite athletes face in adhering to the stringent weight requirements of the division.

Borics’ ambition for a major championship is long-standing. He previously vied for Bellator gold in 2022, suffering a decision loss to the legendary Patricio "Pitbull" Freire. Following that setback, Borics has been steadfast in his pursuit of another title shot, most recently reasserting his presence in the divisional hierarchy with a decisive victory over Jeremy Kennedy in June 2025. His tenure under the PFL banner currently stands at 2-1, building upon an impressive 9-2 career record in Bellator, which notably includes highlight-reel knockouts against esteemed competitors such as Aaron Pico and Pat Curran. These victories demonstrate Borics’ potent striking ability and his capacity to finish fights at the highest level.

The physical demands of professional mixed martial arts, particularly in weight-cutting, become more pronounced with age and muscle development. Borics articulated this personal evolution, stating, "I just need more time now to make featherweight, I need a strict diet for that. But I’m not kind of the guy who eats shit outside of camp. I’m just growing, you know? I have more muscle now every year." He further elaborated on the natural physiological changes experienced by fighters over time: "I just check our fights like six years ago and I was smaller, [McKee] was smaller, but we are growing. We became a man now, so I have to change my nickname [laughs]." This candid reflection underscores the reality of an athlete’s physical maturation and the necessity of adapting their career path accordingly. "The Kid," now 32 years old with 23 professional MMA bouts to his credit, firmly believes that his upcoming clash with McKee, a former Bellator Featherweight Grand Prix winner and champion, should inherently be for the vacant PFL featherweight title. McKee’s professional record stands at 20-2, having suffered only two losses in his decorated career, making him one of the most formidable opponents Borics has faced.

Despite the PFL featherweight title not being officially contested in their Madrid encounter, Borics views the bout as an undeniable eliminator for future championship contention. "I think it’s a big fight," Borics affirmed, emphasizing its significance. "That’s the biggest fight that I can get in PFL and that’s what I want." He expressed profound confidence in his ability to secure a title shot after Friday’s performance. "I think this fight gets me for the title fight. I think when I beat A.J., and the way I’m planning to beat him, I think it puts me in a really good position." This statement reflects Borics’ strategic mindset and his belief in the impact a dominant victory over McKee would have on his standing within the PFL.

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The Madrid event marks Borics’ return to European competition for the first time since his initial year with Bellator, where he secured two impressive finishes in his native Budapest. His journey back to Europe symbolizes a significant shift in his training philosophy and personal life. For an extended period, Borics honed his skills at the renowned Kill Cliff FC in Florida, a gym celebrated for its roster of elite fighters and high-level coaching. However, a profound sense of "homesickness" prompted his decision to establish a dedicated training camp in Hungary, building a team around him with Kami Barzini at the helm as head coach. This move was not merely geographical; it was a deliberate effort to optimize his preparation. Beyond his Hungarian base, Borics has also undertaken supplementary training across Europe, including weeks of specialized preparation with Paul Hughes, an athlete who previously faced McKee.

Borics articulated the benefits of this strategic relocation and personalized training approach. "I think I’m more professional now than ever and I’m ready for that," he stated, reflecting on his renewed focus. "Everything is just all about me now. I built my own camp so everything I do, I do for a purpose. Every training session has a plan, not just doing around the class, go for wrestling class and do the same things like other guys. We build the camp specific." This bespoke training environment, tailored precisely to his needs and his opponent’s style, represents a pivotal development in his career.

He further elaborated on the emotional and professional rationale behind his move from the United States: "I was homesick. I missed Europe, I missed my country. I think I passed that age also when you had to just grind, grind, grind, grind. I learned a lot in the U.S. I’m gonna be thankful forever for my team, Kill Cliff FC, my coaches Henry Hooft and everybody." While acknowledging the invaluable experience gained at Kill Cliff FC, Borics emphasized the necessity of change for continued growth. "I felt like personal life, it was a good decision. Also, I wanted to change my training camp a little bit because I felt like I couldn’t reach what I wanted and I think it was a really good choice. I can tell you I’m happier now and definitely in best shape of my life." This holistic approach, integrating personal well-being with professional development, is a testament to Borics’ commitment to reaching the pinnacle of his sport. The Hungarian veteran now daydreams of a triumphant return to the Palacio Vistalegre in Madrid, envisioning a sea of Hungarian flags waving in support as he pursues his immediate goal of a PFL featherweight belt, before potentially embracing a new weight class and a new identity in the coming years.

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