Ali Akbar Rosady
San Diego, California – A.J. McKee, widely regarded as one of the premier featherweights in mixed martial arts, asserted his dominance at the PFL San Diego main event, securing a comprehensive unanimous decision victory over rising contender Salamat Isbulaev. Following a suffocating display of grappling and ground control, McKee wasted no time in publicly declaring his intent to challenge for the Professional Fighters League (PFL) featherweight championship, marking his third consecutive win since returning to the 145-pound division.
The highly anticipated main event at the Pechanga Arena saw McKee execute a strategic and relentless game plan that left little doubt in the judges’ minds. All three officials scored the contest 30-27 in favor of the former Bellator Featherweight World Champion, reflecting his superior control time, effective striking, and persistent submission threats throughout the 15-minute encounter.
Speaking immediately after the fight, a resolute McKee articulated his championship aspirations. "You call a mercenary when you need something done," McKee exclaimed, referencing his well-known moniker, "The Mercenary." He acknowledged the challenge posed by his opponent, stating, "Isbulaev is a beast. I underestimated him. But mercenary style, I’ve got to get him out of there." His focus, however, quickly shifted to the ultimate prize. "I want the title. That was the point of the return to the 145-pound division."
The bout commenced with an immediate burst of aggression from both featherweights, setting a high-octane pace from the opening bell. Isbulaev, known for his explosive power, launched heavy, commitment-laden punches, aiming for a decisive early finish. McKee, however, displayed disciplined defense, effectively parrying or slipping the majority of Isbulaev’s significant strikes. Midway through the first round, McKee capitalized on an opening, landing a crisp left hook that momentarily stunned his opponent before initiating his grappling offensive.
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With just over two minutes remaining in the inaugural frame, McKee executed a swift double-leg takedown, transitioning seamlessly to secure Isbulaev’s back. The positional advantage was fleeting as Isbulaev, demonstrating impressive defensive grappling, attempted to escape out the "back door," inadvertently reversing the position and momentarily landing on top of McKee. The scramble that ensued saw McKee swiftly break free, regaining his footing and landing another potent left hand. He capped off a strong first round with a second takedown just as the horn sounded, signaling his intent to control the fight’s trajectory.
Round two saw McKee maintain his offensive pressure, but an early slip during an exchange briefly put him on the canvas, allowing Isbulaev to attempt to capitalize with ground strikes. McKee, however, exhibited his characteristic agility and grappling acumen, quickly slipping free from the precarious position. As Isbulaev attempted a guillotine choke during the transition, McKee countered with a dangerous Von Flue choke attempt, showcasing his high-level jiu-jitsu and ability to turn defense into offense. While Isbulaev managed to escape both submission attempts, McKee continued his relentless pursuit, eventually securing another crucial takedown. Once on the mat, McKee moved into side control, delivering a series of powerful elbows that resonated through the arena, leaving Isbulaev visibly impacted as the round concluded.
Entering the third and final round, Isbulaev faced a clear imperative: a finish was his only path to victory. He came out aggressively, managing to open a cut above McKee’s eye with an early exchange, a testament to his continued will. McKee, unfazed by the minor injury, responded by incorporating a varied striking attack, targeting Isbulaev’s body with powerful kicks before bringing his assault upstairs to the head.
With approximately 90 seconds remaining in the fight, McKee once again demonstrated his superior wrestling, ducking under an Isbulaev strike to secure a final, decisive takedown. On the ground, Isbulaev desperately attempted a kimura submission, but McKee methodically defended, breaking free from the hold. Capitalizing on the scramble, McKee transitioned to an arm-triangle choke, squeezing tightly in an attempt to secure the finish. Though Isbulaev displayed remarkable toughness to survive the submission attempt, McKee swiftly moved into a full mount position, unleashing a torrent of elbows in the waning seconds of the fight. The barrage, while not leading to a stoppage, put an emphatic stamp on his dominant performance, leaving no ambiguity regarding the victor.
The victory extends A.J. McKee’s winning streak to three fights since his return to the featherweight division. His return to 145 pounds has been a strategic move following a brief stint at lightweight, where he sought new challenges. McKee’s career has been a highlight reel of elite performances, most notably his memorable run in Bellator MMA, culminating in his capture of the Bellator Featherweight World Championship by defeating Patricio "Pitbull" Freire in July 2021. His subsequent loss of the title in a closely contested rematch with Freire in April 2022 marked a pivotal moment, leading to his decision to explore new opportunities, eventually bringing his talents to the PFL.
Salamat Isbulaev, an emerging talent in the featherweight landscape, entered this bout looking to make a significant statement against a seasoned veteran like McKee. Despite the loss, Isbulaev showcased resilience and flashes of dangerous striking, affirming his potential in the competitive PFL featherweight ranks. This was a critical test for Isbulaev, who, prior to this contest, held a professional record that indicated a promising trajectory, and facing a fighter of McKee’s caliber provides invaluable experience for his development.
McKee’s call for a title shot places him firmly in contention for the PFL Featherweight Championship. As per the current PFL rankings, only Timur Khizriev sits ahead of McKee in the divisional pecking order. Khizriev, an undefeated fighter with a professional record of 14-0, has established himself as a formidable force within the PFL, making a potential clash between him and McKee a highly anticipated encounter for mixed martial arts enthusiasts. The PFL’s recent acquisition of Bellator MMA has further enriched its roster, creating a deeper talent pool and opening up new possibilities for championship matchups, with McKee now positioned as a leading contender. His consistent performances since re-establishing himself at featherweight underscore his readiness for another championship run.
The PFL San Diego event delivered a night of compelling fights across the card, showcasing the depth of talent within the promotion.
Here are the full results from PFL San Diego:
Main Card
- A.J. McKee def. Salamat Isbulaev via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
- Liz Carmouche def. Viviane Araujo via submission (guillotine) (R2, 2:07)
- Alexander Shabliy def. Alfie Davis via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
- Rob Wilkinson def. Abraham Bably via second-round TKO (3:23)
Preliminary Card
- Khasan Magomedsharipov def. Joshua Weems via submission (head/arm choke) (R1, 2:10)
- Jena Bishop def. Ariane Lipski da Silva via submission (armbar) (R1, 4:08)
- Sarvarjon Khamidov def. Justin Wetzell via submission (RNC) (R2, 4:11)
- Shannon Clark def. Ilara Joanne via third-round TKO (1:43)
- Cobey Fehr def. Daniel Bzdigian via submission (Anaconda choke) (R1, 2:00)
The night’s results, particularly McKee’s dominant showing, set the stage for potentially significant matchups in the PFL’s upcoming schedule. With his clear declaration, all eyes will now be on the PFL matchmakers to determine when "The Mercenary" will get his coveted opportunity to vie for the featherweight crown.
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