Scott Coker gives timeline for Patricio Freire vs. A.J. McKee featherweight grand prix final

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – The finish line of the Bellator featherweight grand prix is in sight.

Potentially one of the biggest fights in Bellator history, Patricio Freire vs. A.J. McKee, was lined up at Bellator 255 on Friday when “Pitbull” made quick work of title challenger Emmanuel Sanchez.

The first-round submission victory punched Freire’s (20-5 MMA, 12-4 BMMA) ticket into the tournament final against the undefeated phenom McKee (17-0 MMA, 17-0 BMMA), who also won his semifinal fight with a quick finish.

Although nothing is set, both fighters expressed interest in fighting soon in their respective post-fight news conference. Eager to wrap up the tournament that began almost 19 months ago, Bellator president Scott Coker said he’s targeting Freire vs. McKee for this summer.

“I was talking to (Freire’s) manager before he broke here,” Coker told MMA Junkie at the Bellator 255 post-fight news conference. “I said, ‘What are you thinking?’ He said, ‘probably June or July.’ This fight will happen in the summertime for sure.

“This featherweight tournament has been going on for a while, as you know, because of COVID. It’ll be such a great fight and we’re going to promote the heck out of it because this is a matchup that’s going to be unbelievable.”

The tournament began in September 2019 with 16 fighters. Freire defeated Juan Archuleta by decision, Pedro Carvalho by knockout and Sanchez by submission to advance. McKee, meanwhile, finished Georgi Karakhanyan, Derek Campos, and Darrion Caldwell.

Now the two powerhouses will collide, with the 145-pound belt, a tournament title and a $1 million prize on the line.

Bellator 255 took place at Mohegan Sun Arena. The main card aired on Showtime and the entire event streamed on MMA Junkie.