2024 PFL Superfights PPV: Battle of the Giants press convention on the Mayadeen Theater in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. (Matt Ferris / PFL)
Bellator’s greatest homegrown star, former featherweight champ A.J. McKee, confronted one of many PFL’s hottest up-and-comers in Paul Hughes at Saturday’s Battle of the Giants card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
McKee had moved to light-weight since dropping his Bellator title again to Patricio Pitbull, the person he had gained it from. As a 155’er, after years of teasing a transfer up in weight, McKee was unbeaten by 4 fights, together with a win over RIZIN champ Roberto de Souza.
Hughes had earned his first win beneath the PFL/Bellator banner in June, ending Bobby King.
This was a significant step up in competitors for the younger Irish standout, however one he proved to be prepared for.
From the opening bell Hughes walked McKee down, forcing the previous Bellator champion to combat of his again foot towards the cage. McKee desperately tried to get the combat to the bottom, however Hughes confirmed spectacular takedown protection all through the competition. Within the last thirty seconds of spherical one, Hughes landed a large proper hand that nearly completed the combat. The primary 5 minutes had been clearly in favor of Hughes.
In spherical two McKee once more tried for takedowns however was unsuccessful, Hughes confirmed endurance not coming into into the guard of the previous champion. On the toes it was all Hughes, stalking ahead with large punches. On my scorecard Hughes was forward 2-0 coming into the ultimate spherical.
McKee pushed Hughes to the cage and tried to land takedowns within the clinch however was once more unsuccessful. For the primary time in his profession McKee regarded drained and stiff on the toes. Hughes out landed McKee once more within the third spherical, ending off a powerful efficiency and the largest win of his profession.
When the combat went to the scorecards most watching believed a 30-27 victory for Hughes was a forgone conclusion. To everybody’s shock the judges in attendance scored the combat a cut up determination. Hughes needed to overcome a scare on the playing cards however doubtless propelled himself right into a title alternative reverse Usman Nurmagomedov with this victory.
Official End result: Paul Hughes def. AJ McKee by cut up determination (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
