AJ McKee re-ups for multiple years, will remain in Bellator MMA for foreseeable future

AJ McKee last fought for Bellator MMA on Dec. 4, 2015 at Bellator 147: "Thomson vs. Villaseca" in San Jose. The prodigy of veteran fighter Antonio McKee was on the Spike.com prelims that evening.

In hindsight, Bellator probably wishes it aired his fight on Spike TV.

The teenage phenom scored a technical knockout win with knees and punches at 3:19 of the first round, his third straight finish in the first round in Bellator MMA in 2015, improving his pro record to 3-0.

Bellator clearly realizes it has something to build on here and recently announced that McKee signed a multi-year contract extension to stay with the promotion.

"AJ McKee is an incredibly talented and exciting mixed martial artist. In his first three fights, he's proved he can finish an opponent in various ways, and he's got the style and charisma to match his fighting skills," said promotion president Scott Coker. "We have the many of the best featherweights in the world fighting for Bellator, and AJ has left no doubt in my mind that he belongs in that group."

A featherweight title shot is probably a long time away at this point, but with multiple years remaining on his deal, there's little doubt he can build on a solid resume thus far and keep rising toward the top.

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