AJ McKee has defeated all however certainly one of his opponents since making his skilled MMA debut in 2015, and whereas his solely loss so far nonetheless frustrates him, “The Mercenary” realizes that typically it takes Collect extra info via failure than victory.
In a chat with M&F, the 29-year-old mentioned a variety of points forward of his huge struggle in opposition to Paul Hughes on October 19, together with why the transfer from featherweight to light-weight has set him free , and the way he trains himself mentally and bodily for an additional win.
McGee reached the top of MMA, defeating Patrico “Pitbull” Freire and profitable the Bellator Featherweight World Championship by way of guillotine in simply 1 minute and 57 seconds. That victory was his 18th career victory And earned him a $1 million bonus within the course of. However how does this success have an effect on McGee?
“I might say I am okay with that, you recognize?” the previous novice wrestler stated. “My motivation comes from totally different sources: realizing I am the most effective on the earth, desirous to proceed to be the most effective on the earth, desirous to struggle the most effective on the earth. , that is what drives me. So, each day When somebody doubts or says, oh, he isn’t this or that, it simply provides gasoline to the hearth and it makes me simply need to show them unsuitable, you recognize?
AJ McGee continues to make historical past with dad by his facet
McGee isn’t any stranger to creating an announcement contained in the cage. In any case, he did destroy Gergi Krakanyan in simply eight seconds. “Every little thing is simply dialed in and lined up appropriately,” he explains. “The evening began with my dad (Antonio Mackie) preventing and he completed. So, by then the tone was set and I knew what I needed to do, you recognize? So going into the struggle, I used to be warming up, I Considering; “Dad, I will have the quickest knockout, however I am a number of seconds behind, however, it is the mentality, the boldness, simply realizing what I am able to and with the ability to get in there and execute. That is the important thing.”
Sharing time together with his father, who can also be a coach, has been essential to AJ’s success. “It is nice, he is all the time been a dad, however after we’re within the gymnasium, he is the coach, so he can inform once I’m slacking off and I am simply sort of bullshitting and I need to take a break, okay,” He was actually drained and his physique wanted a break. So, this can be a double-edged sword. He is aware of the ins and outs of the preventing sport, he is aware of the ins and outs of my life, and he is aware of what I’m able to. Subsequently, there actually can’t be any slacking off. You give it 110% and hold doing it. And, typically he’ll let you know, “Hey, you want a break.” That is when it is advisable to take a break. He’s all the time there for me.
AJ McGee will get greater and stronger after first loss
Inevitably, there are highs and lows, and McGee’s loss to the Pitbulls of their title protection ranks proper up there. mercenary tell morning fight After that controversial factors resolution, he had an entire “psychological breakdown.” Nonetheless, whereas it is irritating that the media has to say this distinctive lack of his in interview after interview, there are positives in the long term. McGee acknowledges that we frequently be taught way more from our failures than from our successes.
“Oh, in fact,” he stated. “That struggle pissed me off. So, you recognize, I got here again with a unique gasoline. And, I feel lots of people might see that. The struggle after that (unanimous resolution in opposition to Spike Carlisle) was a Such a quick paced struggle, each struggle from that time on is simply fireworks, excessive tempo output, ensure you hold engaged on it and do not depart it to the judges, ensure you pay it ahead. Work exhausting sufficient so that they see you win.
His return to kind is much more spectacular as a result of it comes within the light-weight division, the place McGee has risen via the ranks and has recorded 4 clear sheets to this point. The light-weight division has confirmed to be a breath of recent air for prime contenders. “I made a decision to maneuver as much as 155 kilos. After I bought to 155 kilos, I felt like I had the skillset to be helpful at that degree,” he defined, noting that it was extra comfy for him to take care of. “Work exhausting to lose 145 kilos; no cheat meals. , no cheat days. You are scheduled. And it takes much more self-discipline to make 145 kilos. So, it should make sense.
At light-weight, McGee eats steaks (rib-eye is his go-to) and ribs, that are excessive in protein. He hoped it might add extra energy to the strikes he was already swinging. “So, lots of people had been minimize off from meals and began to starve,” McGee defined. “Dehydration is clearly one thing you must do. However lots of people cease consuming, and your physique wants vitamins. So, you must ensure you’re giving your physique the best protein.
AJ McGee adjusts his psychological state via inspirational phrases
McGee not solely pays consideration to his bodily health, he additionally likes to regulate himself mentally. Boxers usually take pleasure in varied sorts of music, together with rap, nation, and rock. However as every struggle approaches, the MMA star’s playlist is stuffed with motivational audio system to offer him a psychological increase. It is a method to put his athletic profession into context because the world speculates on his subsequent transfer. The large guess is: whether or not we’ll see Mercenary vs. Bulldog III.
Earlier than that occurs, or any hope of a light-weight title shot, McGee’s head wants to remain within the sport, so he will keep targeted. [who is next]Man,” the calm cage fighter stated. “No matter they name me, you recognize, you name a mercenary to do a job – and he will do the job. So, you deliver me the papers and I will care for them. What’s subsequent” The opponent is Paul Hughes, who has a formidable report of 12-1-0. This will probably be a pivotal sport in McGee’s profession, however he seems to have the best method. “Believing in your self is a giant key, so do not underestimate your thoughts. Do not underestimate your self.
“The Mercenary” AJ McGee may have an explosive confrontation with “The Massive Information” Paul Hughes at PFL Tremendous Battle: Conflict of the Giants on October 19, 2024 in Mayadeen, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The large card will function Francis Ngannou taking over PFL Heavyweight Champion Renan Ferreira.
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