P. Pitbull and A. McKee have the biggest fight in Bellator history. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Absolute Bellator legend, Patrick Pitbull is closer than ever to the biggest test it has ever had within the organization. Champion in two categories, the Brazilian will put the featherweight belt (up to 65,7kg.) on the line against the dangerous and undefeated A. J. McKee, this Saturday (31), in Los Angeles (USA). With the promise of a great spectacle, the organization will promote a show with 11 scheduled clashes.
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Considered, by many, as the biggest name in MMA outside of Ultimate, Pitbull will trade forces against a big bet from the organization. Polished by Scott Coker and his team, McKee arrives at the appointment with an impeccable record, with 17 positive results in a row.
In addition to the main fight, which closes the GP of the under-65,7kg category, the second half of the event will feature exciting duels. One of them will be the new clash of Usman Nurmagomedov, cousin of the legendary Khabib, who is undefeated in 12 clashes.
In the preliminary card, Brazil will be divided. In the fight that opens the show, two Tupiniquins will share the cage. Veteran Vanessa Porto will face Ilara Joanne in the flyweight division (up to 56,7kg). Both come from setbacks in the organization.
To get in the mood, our team selected five reasons to follow the Bellator 263. Check out:
1) Pitbull Reign
Respected within the MMA community, Pitbull will need, once again, to prove that he is the big name in Bellator. In his second reign at featherweight (up to 65,7kg), the Brazilian continues collecting victims and proving his superiority over the rivals selected by the organization.
Group champion since April 2017, Patrício hasn't known what it's like to lose for almost five years. His last negative result came in August 2016, when he moved up to lightweight and ended up being defeated by Ben henderson.
Since then, there have been seven victories, including winning the featherweight belt in 2017 and the lightweight title in 2019. In the latter, the native of Rio Grande do Norte made history by becoming the company's first double champion.
At featherweight, Patrício continues to have a reputation as untouchable. Against McKee, if he emerges victorious, the Brazilian will reach the sixth defense of his belt in his second reign.
2) McKee: real danger
A. McKee has never lost in 17 career fights. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
If on one hand we have an undisputed Brazilian idol in the company, on the other, fans will follow a jewel polished by Bellator for years. Considered the biggest revelation in the company's history, AJ doesn't know what it's like to act with other gloves on.
At 26 years old, the fighter was ‘created’ within the company. Son of fellow fighter Antonio McKee, the young man went through all the stages established by the organization to reach his dream title fight.
To earn the right to challenge Patrício for the title, the North American made 17 commitments, winning at every opportunity. Among the challenges, the athlete was successful in the division's GP and will also compete for the US$1 million (more than R$5 million) prize given to the winner of the tournament, which ends this weekend.
Tall, strong and with an advantage in wingspan, McKee showed calm throughout the promotion of the confrontation. In a press conference that preceded the show, the North American pointed out these characteristics as determining factors for his dreamed of triumph over the Potiguar.
3) Biggest fight in Bellator history
Bellator is betting big on the July 31 event. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
The weekend could also go down in the history of the company chaired by Scott Coker. Experiencing a new moment, the organization, which has recently started investing in young talent, will be able to compete and beat the UFC in terms of audience with both organizations promoting shows at overlapping times.
In addition to promoting an event on a different day than usual (Fridays), Bellator also 'provokes' by launching Pitbull as the protagonist. The Brazilian is often mentioned in discussions about being better – or not – than the current UFC featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovsky. To spice it up, the company finally puts its biggest pupil to the test.
At the show's promotional press conference, Scott Coker was cautious about this being the biggest fight ever promoted by the company. The president, however, stated that the public will have the answer at the end of Saturday's duel, when we will know if the 'crown' will stay with Patrício or if a 'new king' will emerge.
4) What's left for Pitbull if he wins?
P. Pitbull is the Bellator featherweight and lightweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/InstagramP. Pitbull (photo) defeated M. Chandler in 2019. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
After he ran over Michael chandler and added his second consecutive title in Bellator, it was untenable not to call the Brazilian a legend. Before, the North American reigned supreme, assuming the role of main star.
When he made history and defeated Chandler – today in the UFC –, Patrício took on the role with mastery and continues to prove his talent with each engagement. The question that remains is: what will Patrício do if he surpasses Mckee?
To reach the high level of competitiveness and respect, Pitbull worked for big names in the company and had little work. Now, if Bellator's biggest bet wins, the athlete will find himself at a crossroads, as he leads two divisions and has overcome opponents who failed to beat him.
Recently, the Brazilian admitted that there are chances of trying to make even more history and seek a third title, something unprecedented. Although he doesn't take the plan for granted, Patrício doesn't rule out going down to bantamweight and fighting against the newly crowned champion, Sergio Pettis. Everything, however, will depend on what happens this weekend.
5) If Pitbull loses, immediate rematch (featherweight or lightweight)
P. Pitbull and A. McKee face off in the Bellator 263. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
If he wins, Patrício will continue with his exalted name. However, it is necessary to be aware of the possibility of defeat.
If he is beaten, Pitbull will hardly need a new test before trying to regain his belt. The bold McKee even admits the chance of an immediate rematch. Confident, the young man, however, states that the new confrontation may not be in the featherweight division, as he also has his eye on the Potiguar's throne in the top category.
Speaking to the press, AJ made no secret of the fact that his dream was always to be a double champion, just like Pitbull is today. For the North American, if he beats the Brazilian, the reunion could be soon, but featherweight may not be the chosen path.
Bellator 263 technical sheet
Data: July 31, 2021
Timetable: From 20pm (Brasília time)
Location: The Forum, Los Angeles, United States
How to watch: SUPER FIGHTS LIVE the full preliminary card, the most in REAL TIME of all the fights; Main Card: FOX Sports
MAIN CARD
Feather weight: Patricio pitbull x AJ McKee – Fight for the belt and final of the featherweight GP
Feather weight: Emmanuel sanchez x Mads Burnell
Lightweight: Usman Nurmagomedov (70,4kg.) x Manny Muro
Lightweight: Islam Mamedov (70,2kg.) x Brent Primus
Lightweight: Goiti Yamauchi x Chris Gonzalez
PRELIMINARY CARD
Fly weight: Vanessa Porto x Ilara Joanne
Catchweight: Gadzhi Rabadanov x Daniel Carey
Featherweight: Khasan Magomedsharipov x Jonathan Quiroz
Catchweight: Johnny Cisneros x Joshua Jones
Lightweight: Kiefer Crosbie x Georgi Karakhanyan
Bantamweight: Brian Moore vs. Jordan Winski
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