Bellator 263: The Patricio Freire and A.J. McKee components is trending toward the ultimate battle recipe

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la – It's being dubbed by way of many as the greatest battle in Bellator background, and Thursday's pre-combat news convention led a trail of proof.

as the promotion's longtime featherweight king, Patricio Freire, and built-from-the-ground up prospect A.J. McKee ascended upon the stage, the battle already bought itself.

It took 25 minutes for the bickering to start, but when it did, issues exploded. youngsters the two warring parties were restrained after they practically came to blows, the shot within the arm of hype and anticipation handiest boosted up a matchup with all the makings of an elite showdown.

For "Pitbull" Freire (32-4 MMA, 20-four BMMA), the Brazilian double champion thought to be by many the promoting's all-time optimal, his accomplishment checklist is countless. regardless of being on Bellator posters for the past decade, this battle is on the true of his listing when it comes to legacy.

"It's considered one of them," Freire observed. "I fought with several guys that had been very difficult, too. I beat Michael Chandler, and that turned into revenge for me as a result of all that sh*t. however now I find a way to display my ability."

As for McKee (17-0 MMA, 17-0 BMMA), who made his expert debut in Bellator returned in April 2015, the second-generation MMA skill has talked for six years about how one day he'd be champion. Saturday, he has that possibility.

"I'm competent," McKee noted. "It's been 22 years of practise that I've organized for this second. All of my practicing my complete lifestyles has been developed up for this second. Nerves? Nah, I've been on massive ranges because i used to be a child, wrestling at Reno worlds in entrance of heaps of people. I believe he thinks I'm anxious, however I feel that's him trying to self-reflect a little bit and push his little self on me."

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The biggest battle in Bellator heritage between two homegrown potential may outcome within the largest famous person in promotional background. Former lightweight champion Michael Chandler, who misplaced to Freire, created huge buzz when he signed with the UFC and knocked out top-ranked Dan Hooker.

whereas MMA math doesn't at all times make experience when it comes to who will win and lose, it does play into fight promoting. It's fairly viable that the winner of Saturday's title tilt will enter unfamiliar celebrity vigour territory the likes of a homegrown Bellator fighter has certainly not seen.

usually it's the champion who has every thing to lose in a title fight, but McKee sees an abnormally high opportunistic ceiling that includes maintaining an undefeated list.

"There's plenty on the line being undefeated," McKee pointed out. "Like I observed, there's basically an extra '0.' It's not just the six on that verify that I'm combating for, but that further '0' on my record. (I want to) are living up my legacy and continue my father's legacy and be a champ. I analyze his poster each day. He's the champ. Now, it's time for me to get my belt."

Bellator 263 takes place Saturday on the discussion board in Inglewood, Calif. The main card airs on Showtime after prelims on MMA Junkie.

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