Highlights! McKee Stuns ‘Pitbull’ With Early Head Kick, Submission

Bellator MMA has a new Featherweight champion and star in A.J. McKee, who stunned the combat world by submitting the now-former champ-champ, Patricio Freire, in the very first round at Bellator 263 to win the Grand Prix, as well as the division title.

Both men got off to a tentative start, going through a feeling out process. “Mercenary” eventually landed a flush high kick that stunned “Pitbull,” and then proceeded to follow up with some huge shots that dropped the Brazilian champ.

McKee, however, celebrated a bit too early, pulling away and raising his hands in victory instead of going in for the finish. Upon realizing the referee hadn’t called an end to the fight, McKee went right back to work and sunk in an air-tight guillotine choke.

“Pitbull” tried his best to hang on before he went out on his feet. This time the stoppage was called and a new champion was crowned. After a few seconds, “Pitbull’s” team seemed to be protesting the stoppage, but it fell on deaf ears because the former champ was clearly out.

Check out McKee’s $1 million finish above along with other main event highlights below:

For complete Bellator 263 play-by-play updates and results click here.