A.J. McKee embraced the entire experience of fighting in Japan.
The former featherweight champion set the tone for his night by walking to the ring in black samurai attire, and he closed the show of the Bellator vs. Rizin themed card with a three-round verdict against“I’m just trying to embrace it all,” McKee said at thepost-fight press conference. “Being here in Japan and fighting in front of all the fans, it’s an experience. It’s an honor to be here and an honor to put on a great show.
The Team Bodyshop representative had his hands full with Rizin’s reigning lightweight champion. Satoshi made McKee work on the canvas, as he took the American’s back on multiple occasions and threatened with submissions in grappling exchanges. Ultimately, McKee survived those predicaments and put his own stamp on the fight with his striking — even using Rizin’s ruleset to his advantage by landing kicks and knees against his grounded adversary.