.png)
Former Bellator featherweight champion, AJ McKee, is set to make his long-awaited return to the cage after nearly a year. The fighter, known by his moniker 'Mercenary,' has been absent from the octagon since his unanimous decision victory over Roberto de Souza in December of the previous year. McKee's triumph took place in the main event of Bellator X RIZIN, marking his second consecutive victory following an earlier unanimous decision win against UFC veteran Spike Carlyle in October. However, his journey to the cage has not been without setbacks.
Following his December victory, AJ McKee was scheduled to participate in Bellator's prestigious million-dollar lightweight Grand Prix. Fans eagerly anticipated his showdown with Patricky Pitbull, scheduled for July. Unfortunately, an injury forced McKee to withdraw from the bout, leaving enthusiasts eagerly awaiting his comeback.
In a recent report by Marc Raimondi of ESPN MMA, it has been confirmed that AJ McKee will stage his comeback at a Bellator event slated for November 17th. His opponent for the much-anticipated return is none other than Sidney Outlaw, who is returning to the cage himself after a significant win in August. Outlaw pulled off a stunning upset against Islam Mamedov, securing a unanimous decision victory. This victory marked his third win in his last four cage appearances, with previous wins over Myles Jury and Adam Piccolotti.
As of now, the AJ McKee vs. Sidney Outlaw bout is the sole fight announced for Bellator's November event. The timing of this event is particularly intriguing, given the recent rumors surrounding the potential sale of Bellator to the Professional Fighters League (PFL) for a staggering $900 million. This speculation has been circulating for several months, with Scott Coker, the president of Bellator, confirming ongoing discussions regarding the sale earlier in the summer.
However, the announcement of AJ McKee's return signifies that Bellator is not willing to bow out quietly. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the promotion's future ownership, the resumption of high-profile matchups and the continued commitment to delivering top-tier MMA action demonstrates that Bellator still has some fight left in it. Fans and fighters alike eagerly anticipate the return of 'Mercenary' AJ McKee, as he steps back into the cage in what could be a defining moment for both his career and Bellator's future.
Follow fight.tv for all the action from the world of combat sports.