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AJ McKee

AJ McKee is an American mixed martial artist who competes at lightweight in Professional Fighters League (PFL).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

AJ McKee is an American mixed martial artist who competes at lightweight in Professional Fighters League (PFL). He is a former Bellator Featherweight World Champion and won the Bellator Featherweight Grand Prix. McKee is known by the nickname “The Mercenary” and has also competed in Bellator’s lightweight division.

Background

AJ McKee was born in Long Beach, California, and fights out of Lakewood, California. He trains with Team Bodyshop MMA and is identified in sources as a southpaw fighter.

Bellator career

McKee built his reputation in Bellator MMA, where he became featherweight champion and won the Featherweight Grand Prix. Sources describe him as one of the promotion’s standout fighters before moving to higher weight classes.

PFL career

McKee later joined Professional Fighters League, where he is listed as a lightweight. PFL and related sources show him competing in the organization with a career record listed as 25–2.

Fighting style

Sources describe McKee as a striker with strong grappling and submission ability. He is listed with a 73.5-inch reach and a southpaw stance.

Key facts

  • AJ McKee is an American MMA fighter born April 7, 1995, in Long Beach, California.
  • He is a former Bellator Featherweight World Champion and winner of the Bellator Featherweight Grand Prix.
  • He currently competes in the lightweight division of the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
  • His nickname is 'The Mercenary' and he trains with Team Bodyshop MMA.

Frequently asked questions

What is AJ McKee known for?
He is known for winning the Bellator Featherweight Championship and the Bellator Featherweight Grand Prix, then continuing his career in PFL.
What is AJ McKee’s nickname?
His nickname is “The Mercenary.”
What weight class does AJ McKee fight in?
He is listed as a lightweight in PFL sources, after previously competing at featherweight.
Where is AJ McKee from?
He was born in Long Beach, California, and is listed as fighting out of Lakewood, California.
What team does AJ McKee represent?
He is listed as representing Team Bodyshop MMA.

References

  1. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/3821379/aj-mckee
    Supports: Birth date, nationality, height/weight, nickname, stance, team, and lightweight listing.
  2. Professional Fighters League — https://pflmma.com/all-fighter/aj-mckee
    Supports: PFL record, career record, hometown/fighting out location, division, and former Bellator Featherweight Champion note.
  3. Sherdog — https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/AJ-McKee-194637
    Supports: Professional record and fight statistics.
  4. RIZIN Fighting Federation — https://jp.rizinff.com/_tags/AJ%E3%83%BB%E3%83%9E%E3%83%83%E3%82%AD%E3%83%BC
    Supports: Birth date, height, reach, weight, team, and background description.