While fans are waiting for a trilogy bout between Patricio
Freire and A.J. McKee,
it’s possible that featherweight contender Adam Borics
may receive the next title shot against the Brazilian champion.
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Borics is coming off a five-round decision win against Mads
Burnell at Bellator 276 in a bout that was billed as a
featherweight title eliminator by the California-based promotion.
Freire’s karate coach, Mano Santana, believes a fresh face might be
the next logical step for “Pitbull.”
“Patricio has cleaned out the division. It would make all the sense
if Bellator gives the opportunity to Borics,” Santana told
Sherdog.com.
CATCH EVERY MOMENT OF UFC 275 ON ESPN+ According to Santana, who also works with
Lyoto
Machida and Rodolfo
Vieira, a potential change in plans could be attributed to the
attitude of McKee.
“First A.J. denied [interest in] the trilogy, saying he was going
up [a weight class]. Later, he changed his mind,” Santana said. “In
my experience, whenever we see a fighter having such a cocky
stance, the promotion normally puts them in check.”
Santana believes Borics, who has won four straight fights and 18 of
19 overall, is a good matchup for the champion.
“His kickboxing background fits well for Patricio, who practiced a
lot of kickboxing before karate. Against Emmanuel
Sanchez, he told me that he wanted to work more of his
kickboxing game combined with karate distance control,” Santana
said. “Since Borics is not so explosive, he will allow Patricio to
do the same. I see a favorable match up for Patricio.”