Former Bellator featherweight champion A. J.
McKee Jr. will headline PFL San Diego on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California.
He faces undefeated rising star Salamat Isbulaev in a 145-pound bout.
McKee, 31, holds a 24-2 professional record, while Isbulaev is 10-0.
The event also features a women's flyweight co-headliner between Liz Carmouche and Viviane Araujo, plus a lightweight bout between Alfie Davis and Alexander Shabliy.
McKee's Career Timeline
McKee outlined his future plans during fight week. "I've kind of put a time stamp on my career," he said.
"I've got another four years. I don't want to be that guy that's fighting at 40 years old because he needs to."
He added that financial considerations could extend his timeline. "If I'm making some abnormal amount of money, obviously… Money talks.
Money would get me to do some things — not everything, but some things."
McKee emphasized his desire to leave the sport at his peak. "I came in on the top and I want to leave on the top.
The best way to do that is put a time cap and finish it to the best of your ability."
After fighting, McKee plans to pursue high-speed racing.
"I kind of want to do something along the lines of racing, whether it's a motorcycle, Indy car, Baja, something," he said.
He recently tried a shifter kart for the first time, noting he "did pretty good" despite spinning out a few times.
Return to Featherweight
McKee explained his decision to drop back to 145 pounds. "The reason why I went back to featherweight is because I missed being a champion," he said.
He acknowledged his lightweight stint fell short but believes his skillset is elite.
He analyzed Isbulaev's tape, noting the prospect gets tired and hasn't fought beyond the second round. "He hasn't really fought those long-distance, high-pace fights," McKee said.
"Keeping the high-pace fight and just taking him to deep waters is going to be a key."
McKee also cited his experience advantage.
"I've had almost triple the amounts of pro fights as him, so I think the experience level is going to be a big difference."
He called the matchup "big risk, little reward" but believes a win gets him closer to a PFL title shot.
"If not, I don't really see what was the point of taking this fight."
McKee expects to test Isbulaev's endurance.
"He hasn't made it out of the second round, so I think with my pace, maybe I don't think he'll be able to keep up."
