Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire believes A.J. McKee will be champion one day, but not at Bellator 263

MMA News
Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire believes A.J. McKee will be champion one day, but not at Bellator 263

Bellator dual champion Patricio Freire is now officially scheduled to meet A.J. McKee.

On Wednesday, the promotion announced Bellator 263 will take place at The Forum in Los Angeles on Saturday, July 31, and will be headlined by Freire vs. McKee to determine the winner of the featherweight grand prix and the featherweight champion.

“I believe that’s a perfect fight for me,” Freire said on Wednesday during a news conference to officially announce Bellator 263. “Now, I’m a little bit older than the rest of the division. I know the power that I have, how fast I am, and I’m gonna use this in my favor.”

Currently riding a seven-fight win streak, Freire has defended his featherweight title five times during the stretch. His opponent, McKee, is very confident that he will knock him off his throne, but the Brazilian champion is well aware of the challenge that lies ahead.

“Of all my opponents, AJ is the most dangerous,” Freire stated. “I know that I’m ready to defend my title. I know I’m gonna win this fight and prove that his father is wrong.”

McKee’s father and coach, Antonio McKee, stated during the news conference that Freire would be the easiest fight of the tournament for his son, citing that the range difference, speed, and power would be too difficult for the champion to overcome.

Throughout the new conference, Freire and his coach Eric Albarracin were complementary of McKee’s accomplishments up to this point, acknowledging that he is a great, young fighter. However, according to Freire, the featherweight title will be returning home with him.

“One day, you’re gonna be the world champion, but not now,” Freire firmly stated.

McKee has been calling out Freire for years now, and the champion took notice early on, even if he didn’t always respond.

“I know that (he wants my belt) and I’m watching this,” Freire stated. “I’m still here as the champion and I’m still going to be champion after this fight. You will see that.”

 

Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire believes A.J. McKee will be champion one day, but not at Bellator 263