A.J.
McKee embraced the entire experience of fighting in Japan.
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The former featherweight champion set the tone for his night by
walking to the ring in black samurai attire, and he closed the show
of the Bellator vs. Rizin themed card with a three-round verdict
against Roberto
Satoshi de Souza in the evening’s main event at Saitama Super
Arena in Saitama, Japan on New Year’s Eve.
“I’m just trying to embrace it all,” McKee said at the Rizin
40 post-fight press conference. “Being here in Japan and
fighting in front of all the fans, it’s an experience. It’s an
honor to be here and an honor to put on a great show.
“…This is about one of the best arenas I’ve fought in,” he added.
“The fans are phenomenal, the culture is phenomenal. I’ve heard so
many stories so to finally be here is amazing.”
The Team Bodyshop representative had his hands full with Rizin’s
reigning lightweight champion. Satoshi made McKee work on the
canvas, as he took the American’s back on multiple occasions and
threatened with submissions in grappling exchanges. Ultimately,
McKee survived those predicaments and put his own stamp on the
fight with his striking — even using Rizin’s ruleset to his
advantage by landing kicks and knees against his grounded
adversary.
“Man, [Roberto de Souza is] a warrior. He’s one tough dude,” McKee
said. “He kept throwing that triangle. I felt like he was trying to
drag me into deep waters and drown me… Luckily, I’m a good
swimmer.”
McKee hopes to return to the Far East in the near future, though
ideally the stakes will be higher the next time.
“I don’t know if something I can do every fight but it’s something
I enjoyed a lot,” he said. “Rizin enjoyed the show so hopefully
they bring me back for a title.”