MMAOddsBreaker’s Gabe Killian connected with Bellator featherweight AJ McKee for a quick Q&A following the weigh-ins for Bellator 141. MMAOB: You made your professional mixed martial arts debut under the Bellator banner four months ago and finished your opponent in two minutes. For your second outing, you’re getting a step up in competition in the form of fellow undefeated James Barnes. How do you see this one playing out? AJ: In all honesty and no disrespect; I don’t see it going past the second round. I’m going to bring a type of ferocity to him that he can only imagine!! MMAOB: You made weight today, stepping on the scale at 145.8lbs. Did you have an easy cut for your second pro fight? AJ: Yeah, it was a lot easier this time around; didn’t feel like I put a strain on my body at all this time. MMAOB: Where did you train for this fight and what was your camp like? AJ: I train at my fathers (Antonio McKee’s) gym “Bodyshop,” the only gym I’ve ever trained at! My camp was fun and easy. I had my great teammates/brothers pushing me on the whole way through; from Bubba Jenkins to Emanuel Newton to Brett Cooper to Jessie Juarez to Joey Davis and the many more great athletes we have in there. MMAOB: Being the son of a fighter who has already left his mark in the sport, do you feel you have an advantage over your opponents when heading into the cage? AJ: No, I feel at the end of the day, we’re all different people within ourselves with our own mindset, so It depends on the person. Where I feel I have the advantage is simply my hard work and determination to be the best, while becoming the best. MMAOB: Who will be in your corner for this fight? AJ: My father Antonio McKee, Bubba Jenkins and either Emanual Newton or Brett Cooper. MMAOB: Have you watched tape on your opponent or did you leave the film study to your coaches? AJ: He didn’t have much footage, but from what I saw, he’s a wrestler and if he plans on wrestling, he’s going to have a rude awakening once we step in the Bellator cage tomorrow!! MMAOB: Are there any areas you think he might hold an advantage? AJ: Not in my eyes. MMAOB: Would you like to leave a message before we wrap up? AJ: Yeah; “Pitbull,” I’m coming for my belt! Keep it polished up nice and clean for me. MMAOB: Any plugs? AJ: Bodyshop Fitness in Lakewood, CA. Come train with the best!
