Bellator Featherweight Champion A.J. McKee needs to see more green from the promotion he calls home.
Depending on who you ask, McKee could be considered the best 145-pounder in the world. He has developed into a premium talent inside the cage. The “Mercenary” recognizes his worth and if Bellator can’t match what he’s looking for, he may turn elsewhere once he’s free to do so.
A.J. McKee Wants More Money From Bellator
A.J. McKee appeared on MMAFighting.com‘s “The MMA Hour” and revealed that he and Bellator haven’t come to terms on a new deal yet.
“They did [try to re-sign me]. I had already fought previously for a million dollars. I feel I should never have to see anything under a million dollars again, especially with the achievements I’ve accomplished. Every time I step in that cage, there’s an ‘O’ on my record.
“For me to go backwards, anything under a million, I feel it’s just not reasonable. We were at like [$500K] but it’s not appetizing to me.”
McKee noted that the champion’s clause is in effect for three fights. While he remains in talks with Bellator, he’s got his sights set on the big kahuna as well.
UFC Run Is “Inevitable”
McKee went on to say that he feels there’s no doubt he will eventually make his way to the UFC and win not just one, but two world titles there.
“It’s always been a dream of mine and a goal of mine to own a UFC title. Just as a kid I grew up watching ‘Rampage’ [Quinton Jackson]. As a kid in the gym, that’s the first UFC belt I ever saw.
“Owning a UFC belt one day, it’s going to happen. It’s inevitable. It’s an achievement and an accolade that I would love to have under my belt. Being champ-champ there as well.”
For now, McKee will need to focus on his rematch with Patricio “Pitbull” Freire. The title rematch will headline Bellator 277 on April 15.
