AJ McKee beats Isbulaev by decision at PFL San Diego

AJ McKee solidified his position as a top featherweight contender with a unanimous decision victory over the previously undefeated Salamat Isbulaev in the main event of a Professional Fighters League card at Pechanga Arena in San Diego on Saturday, June 27. The win marked McKee's third consecutive victory and handed Isbulaev his first professional loss.

The 31-year-old McKee, a former Bellator champion, navigated a competitive fight to earn the judges' nod with scores of 30-27 across the board. While Isbulaev started fast, McKee relied on his grappling to control the later stages of the bout. He secured takedowns in each round and finished the fight strongly, landing a series of strikes from full mount in the final seconds.

In a post-fight interview, McKee stated he felt he was the best featherweight in the world, citing an undefeated record at 145 pounds in his view. He also acknowledged underestimating Isbulaev, whom he referred to as a champion-level opponent. With the PFL's featherweight title currently vacant, McKee's victory positions him for a potential championship bout, with only top-ranked Timur Khizriev ahead of him in the division's standings.