AJ McKee Chases MMA History in Groundbreaking PFL vs. RIZIN Double Title Fight

A.J. McKee has never shied away from making history, and on September 10 at Super RIZIN 5 in Osaka, Japan, “The Mercenary” will have another opportunity to add to his already impressive legacy. In what is being billed as one of the most unique championship fights in mixed martial arts history, McKee will challenge undefeated RIZIN Featherweight Champion Razhabali Shaidullaev with both the RIZIN and vacant PFL Featherweight World Championships on the line. It marks the first time two major organizations have placed their world titles at stake in a single championship bout.

The matchup is a fascinating clash of styles and resumes. Shaidullaev enters the contest undefeated at 19-0, with every one of his victories coming by finish, including 13 first-round stoppages. The Kyrgyz standout has quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous featherweights in the world after capturing and defending the RIZIN title multiple times in less than a year.

Standing across from him will be one of the sport’s most naturally gifted athletes.

AJ McKee: A Champion Since Day One

Long before joining the Professional Fighters League, A.J. McKee established himself as one of Bellator MMA’s biggest homegrown stars.

The son of veteran MMA fighter Antonio McKee, A.J. grew up inside the gym and has spent nearly his entire career under his father’s guidance. After compiling an impressive amateur record, he debuted professionally in 2015 and quickly became one of Bellator’s brightest prospects, eventually putting together one of the longest undefeated streaks in promotional history.

McKee reached the pinnacle of his career in 2021 when he captured the Bellator Featherweight World Championship by submitting the legendary Patricio “Pitbull” Freire in the opening round of the Bellator Featherweight World Grand Prix Final. The victory cemented him as one of the elite featherweights in the world and showcased his complete skill set—dynamic striking, explosive athleticism, elite scrambling ability, and dangerous submissions.

Since moving to the PFL, McKee has remained among the world’s top 145-pound fighters. After returning to the featherweight division, he has won three consecutive fights to earn another opportunity to fight for world championship gold.

The Bodyshop MMA Connection

For 18-time MMA World Champion Cris Cyborg, McKee’s success comes as no surprise.

Throughout her career, Cyborg has spent time training alongside both A.J. McKee and his father Antonio McKee at the renowned Bodyshop MMA gym in Southern California. Antonio has long been respected as one of the sport’s best coaches, helping develop A.J. from childhood into a world champion while creating an environment known for producing elite wrestlers and mixed martial artists.

Training alongside the McKee family gave Cyborg firsthand experience with A.J.’s exceptional speed, creativity, and championship mindset. Those same qualities helped him become one of Bellator’s greatest champions and continue to make him one of the most dangerous featherweights competing today.

A Defining Moment for the Sport

The significance of Super RIZIN 5 extends beyond one fighter.

Cross-promotional championship fights have been discussed for years, but rarely materialize. This event represents a landmark collaboration between PFL and RIZIN, bringing together two of the world’s premier organizations in a genuine champion-versus-champion showcase.

Should McKee leave Osaka with both world titles, it would further solidify his place among the greatest featherweights of his generation while giving PFL another marquee champion as the organization continues expanding its global footprint.

For fight fans, it’s exactly the type of matchup that has long been requested—a true meeting between elite champions from different organizations to determine who sits atop the featherweight division.

On September 10, A.J. McKee won’t just be fighting for another championship belt.

He’ll be fighting for a piece of MMA history.