A.J. McKee Honored to Fight in Japan, Wants to Return with Title at Stake

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 Roberto Satoshi de Souza in the evening’s main event at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan on New Year’s Eve.

“I’m just trying to embrace it all,” McKee said at the Rizin 40 post-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.

“…This is about one of the best arenas I’ve fought in,” he added. “The fans are phenomenal, the culture is phenomenal. I’ve heard so many stories so to finally be here is amazing.”

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.

“Man, [Roberto de Souza is] a warrior. He’s one tough dude,” McKee said. “He kept throwing that triangle. I felt like he was trying to drag me into deep waters and drown me… Luckily, I’m a good swimmer.”

McKee hopes to return to the Far East in the near future, though ideally the stakes will be higher the next time.

“I don’t know if something I can do every fight but it’s something I enjoyed a lot,” he said. “Rizin enjoyed the show so hopefully they bring me back for a title.”