How a single submission secured a million-dollar championship prize
In short: In July 2021, Antonio De Carlo McKee Jr. achieved the ultimate mixed martial arts milestone. By defeating Patrício Pitbull via a first-round guillotine choke, he captured both the Bellator Featherweight Championship and a $1 million prize, triggering a contract extension that reshaped his professional trajectory.
Antonio De Carlo McKee Jr., born April 7, 1995, in Long Beach, California, has become a prominent figure in professional mixed martial arts. After a successful amateur career where he went 7–1 between 2012 and 2014, McKee turned professional in 2015. His rise through the ranks was marked by a remarkable streak of 18 consecutive victories in Bellator MMA history, a record he shares with Ben Askren and Michael Chandler.
McKee's career is defined by high-stakes tournaments and technical versatility. His most significant achievement occurred during the Bellator Featherweight World Grand Prix. On July 31, 2021, he faced the reigning champion Patrício Pitbull in the final. McKee secured the title and a $1 million prize using a guillotine choke in the first round. This victory was so impactful that it triggered a contract clause extending his deal by one year or three fights.
Despite his success, McKee has faced significant setbacks. His first professional defeat occurred on April 15, 2022, when he lost his title to Pitrício Pitbull via unanimous decision in a rematch. He has since competed across multiple weight divisions, including Lightweight, and has participated in various high-profile matchups within the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where he has held top rankings in both the featherweight and pound-for-pound categories.
Currently competing in the Featherweight and Lightweight divisions of the PFL, McKee continues to demonstrate the skill set that earned him a record-tying number of submission wins in Bellator Featherweight history. His journey from Long Beach Polytechnic High School to the pinnacle of international MMA highlights the intense precision required to succeed in elite combat sports.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: A. J. McKee
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