Bellator 205: McKee vs. Macapá - September 21 (OFFICIAL DISCUSSION)

Bellator 205
September 21, 2018
CenturyLink Arena
Boise, Idaho, USA

Main Card:
AJ McKee Jr. (11-0)     vs.     (21-3) John Macapá
Main Event  | Featherweight | 145 lbs (66 kg)

Rafael Lovato Jr. (8-0) vs.       (15-3) John Salter   
Co-Main Event | Middleweight | 185 lbs (84 kg)

Roger Huerta (24-10)   vs.  (19-8) Patricky Freire   
Main Card | Lightweight | 155 lbs (70 kg)

Veta Arteaga (4-2)       vs.  (2-1) Denise Kielholtz   
Main Card | Flyweight | 125 lbs (57 kg)

A.J. McKee vs. John Teixeira is the new main event for September’s Bellator 205 event.

After former champ Pat Curran was forced to withdraw from the event due to injury, Teixeira (21-3) will now fight McKee (11-0) on the card.

In the co-main event, Rafael Lovato Jr.(8-0)meetsJohn Salter (15-3) in a bout that could determine the next Bellator middleweight world title challenger. Additional bouts will be announced in coming weeks.

Fighting out of Long Beach, Calif., A.J. McKee puts his undefeated record on the line against the former champ. Currently training alongside the likes of Aaron Pico, "Baby Slice," and Joey Davis at The Body Shop under the tutelage of his father, MMA veteran Antonio McKee, the second-generation fighter is making quite the name for himself. At just 23 years of age, "Mercenary" has set the Bellator record for consecutive wins at 11, having defeated Justin Lawrence, Brian Moore and Dominic Mazzotta along the way. Known for his highlight-reel finishes, McKee will look to remain undefeated and keep his name etched in the record books.

Teixeira, 31, who will attempt to buck his two-fight losing skid, which has come against Curran and Daniel Weichel. Prior to his skid, the Brazilian was on a 10-fight winning streak, including four in a row to begin his Bellator tenure.


Following years of success in elite jiu-jitsu and grappling competition, Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Rafael Lovato Jr. has made the transition to MMA look seamless. The unbeaten Oklahoma City-based fighter has amassed eight career wins, including seven finishes, in a career that began in 2014. The former Legacy Fighting Champion has since earned recent wins over Gerald Harris, Chris Honeycutt and Mike Rhodes en route to his still-perfect record. A matchup that was scheduled to happen at Bellator 198 in April, Lovato Jr. now has his opportunity to show everyone that he belongs as the rightful No. 1 contender at middleweight against his toughest opponent to date.

Currently riding a seven-fight win streak, John Salter has quietly established himself as one of the most dominant middleweights in the world. Finishing all of his five previous Bellator bouts, including submission victories over Kendall Grove and Brandon Halsey, the Alabama native has proven himself to be a dangerous opponent every time he steps inside the cage. In his last outing at Bellator 188 in Tel Aviv, Israel, the former standout collegiate wrestler defeated Jason Radcliffe, following a late opponent change. Now, he sets his sights on the undefeated Lovato Jr., in what could lead to his first shot at Bellator gold.

Pat Curran will definitely be the biggest test of Aj  McKee career and if Aj wins I don't see why he can't  deserve a shot at the title.

I agree, if he wins, he is top contender.

Nice ko for McKee With this performance lovato might be next in line for the winner of Mousasi and Rory.

Kingfedor wrote:Nice ko for McKee    With this performance lovato might be next in line for the winner of Mousasi and Rory.

I agree, that was an impressive KO.

Lovato looked good as well. I agree, he could be next contender in line.

Man aj is looking good 12-0 in one of the biggest organisations on earth if he beats 2 or 3 more in the top 5 i say he will deserve a title shot.

westcott123 wrote:Man aj is looking good 12-0 in one of the biggest organisations on earth if he beats 2 or 3 more in the top 5 i say he will deserve a title shot.

He's close to a title shot now, I agree.

Kingfedor wrote:Nice ko for McKee    With this performance lovato might be next in line for the winner of Mousasi and Rory.

The KO is even more impressive when you remember Teixeira has never been knocked out before this. Lovato should be next. Outside of Tokov beating Shlemenko, I can't think of anyone else.