A constant presence toward the top of the PFL’s lightweight division, Clay Collard is one of the most exciting and popular fighters on the PFL roster. A professional MMA fighter and boxer, Collard had perhaps his best season in the PFL in 2023. Collard defeated Yamato Nishikawa and Stevie Ray during the regular season before a win over Shane Burgos in the semifinals. Collard, making it to the World Championships for the first time, ultimately fell short in the final fight against Olivier Aubin-Mercier.

 

A.J. McKee has been one of the most popular and entertaining fighters in Bellator since making his professional MMA debut with the promotion in April 2015. He won 18 consecutive fights, culminating with wins over Georgi Karakhanyan, Derek Campos, Darrion Caldwell and Patricio “Pitbull” Freire to win the Bellator featherweight title in the Bellator Featherweight Grand Prix. After controversially dropping the title back to Freire, McKee moved up to lightweight and has gone 3-0 in the weight class. McKee most recently fought in November, defeating Sidney Outlaw.

 

This should be an entertaining showdown for all the fans to enjoy as the PFL vs. Bellator main card kicks off.

 

 

Round 1

 

Low kick from Collard. Low side kick from McKee. Combination from McKee. McKee scores a takedown and looks for an early guillotine choke! Collard manages to slip his head out, but McKee throws up and locks in a triangle choke! McKee stretches Collard’s arm to add an armbar to the mix! McKee gets the submission! Wow! In quick fashion!

 

 

A.J. McKee shows how technical and relentless he can be! McKee gets Bellator on the board!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

AJ McKee defeats Clay Collard by 1st round submission (armbar – 1:10)