A ‘Mercenary’ homecoming for A.J. McKee
A ‘Mercenary’ homecoming for A.J. McKee
Mike Pendleton Jun 24, 2026
Photo: PFL | Caption: Sherdog.com/Ben Duffy
Top notch featherweights headline PFL San Diego: Tune in Saturday, June 27 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN 2.
Advertisement Throughout his career, A.J. McKee has consistently answered every call, taken on the biggest challenges and, most of the time, conquered them. From his tenure in Bellator MMA, where he won a featherweight grand prix as well as the featherweight belt, to establishing himself as a top lightweight in Professional Fighters League, he has won everywhere he has competed.
In the wake of a close split decision loss to Paul Hughes two years ago, McKee (24-2; 3-1 PFL) moved back down to 145 pounds, where has picked up two straight decision victories. Now, he is set to meet Salamat Isbulaev (10-0) on Saturday at PFL San Diego, just a short drive from his backyard in Los Angeles.
Speaking to Sherdog.com, the 31-year-old was clearly thrilled to be fighting within an easy drive for his loved ones and supporters.
“It’s awesome,” McKee said. “All my friends, my family, and my fans have been asking for a while when I was coming back to America, and California. So, to be in my own backyard, my own stomping ground, it’s going to be phenomenal. I think it’s a great strategy by the PFL, it’s great marketing. All the fans and the supporters that are local are going to be there, while also grasping the attention of many others outside the area. I’m just happy to be a part of it and be able to be the face of this card, this promotion, and continue to do what I do best.”
In his most recent outing in March, McKee defeated Adam Borics, a fight that he felt should’ve been for the featherweight title, and while there’s still no title on the line in this fight, he’s not going to be pushy. However, he is more than willing to make a case for himself based on his accomplishments.
“I don’t want to step on any toes but at the same time, I think certain things are earned, not given,” he said. “I think I’ve definitely earned a shot at that title. There’s not much left in the division for me to fight. No. 1 is out, I’m No. 2, No. 3 just lost to my opponent, and I beat No. 4 which I felt should’ve been for the title. Here we are now fighting No. 5, and then you’ve got 6, 7, and 8. You can’t have No. 2 fighting No. 8 or 9 for the title, you know what I mean? Me, personally, I don’t think it looks good. But, at the same time, when I’ve kind of gone through the division, then it kind of makes sense at the end of the day.”
Turning around in just three months to get another high-level fight, McKee is sticking to his “Mercenary” nickname, ready to take on all comers—whether there is a title on the line or not.
“Definitely, like I’ve always said, fight activity is key to me,” McKee said. “So being able to have these quick turnarounds, becoming comfortable in the cage, kicking ass and taking names, that’s the mercenary style. The fight activity for me is amazing right now. I’m loving it. After this, I’m kind of wiping out the whole division, so I don’t know what’s next, but I’m looking forward to getting that title wrapped around my waist.”
While his words are as strong as his punches inside the PFL cage, McKee plans to have both lined up correctly on June 27 in San Diego. When asked what fans should expect, McKee promised an early 4th of July celebration, complete with pyrotechnics. He also expressed his belief that the undefeated Kazakhstani has not endured anything like the ordeal he will face on Saturday.
“I’m bringing my own fireworks, best believe that,” he said. “This is a fight where he’s been amped up. He hasn’t made it out of the second, he’s been finishing everyone. I’m not one of those guys that just rolls over, I’m not going to quit, and I’m not going to tap. I’m going to give it 110% and you’re going to have to try to kill me in there, as well as I’m trying to kill you. It’s fight or flight in that cage. I think he’s got the fight in him but he’s also never had anyone bring the fight to him.
“So this is where I think the experience level is what is going to set me ahead in this fight,” he added. “Knowing what it’s like to be in a five-round fight, giving it all. Fighting three five-minute rounds, there’s been previous times where I’ve watched some of his recent fights, and after that first round he’s huffing and puffing. Let me see that after that first round. You’re going to be in for a treat. I wouldn’t care even if I’m tired, if I see you huffing and puffing, and I know I got two rounds left, I’m coming for your neck.”
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Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
Venezuela Fury and Noah Price subsidising their life by livestreaming
Venezuela Fury and her husband Noah Price look to be making their own way in the world by raking it in from their lucrative social media accounts.
The influencer daughter of Tyson and Paris Fury, 16, has become an internet sensation after tying the knot with her husband Noah, 19, earlier this year.
Since getting married and moving in together the couple have been earning thousands of pounds a month, livestreaming their life as newlyweds in their static caravan in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
And fans can't get enough of their regular life updates on TikTok and Kick, which have proved to be very profitable for the pair.
They look to be supporting themselves after Noah denied that he was given £5million by Venezuela's family as a wedding gift.
Despite his wife's huge family wealth, an estimated combined £160 million, Noah recently told his Kick followers that he 'pays for everything' for the couple.
Making light of the claims about Venezuela's millionaire financial status, Noah said: 'I actually pay for everything unfortunately. You'd expect the millionaire to pay for it wouldn't you.'
Venezuela Fury and Noah Price are earning thousands livestreaming their caravan life - after her new groom insisted he pays all the bills and denied he had £5m handout from her dad
The influencer daughter of Tyson and Paris Fury , 16, has become an internet sensation after tying the knot with her husband Noah, 19, earlier this year
Venezuela then asked their fans: 'Do you think I am a millionaire?'
Noah joked: 'She isn't a secret millionaire guys', before she broke into song and sang: 'But I live like a millionaire!'
But it seems according to estimated calculations from their social media work, Noah and Venezuela can more than afford to support themselves.
Noah has been livestreaming on platforms such as Kick and TikTok, where viewers can send paid gifts or donations.
He was previously encouraging viewers to send gifts on his honeymoon during livestreams, suggesting this is one revenue stream.
Both Noah and Venezuela have built substantial followings on Instagram and TikTok. They can potentially earn money through sponsored posts, brand collaborations, affiliate links and creator payouts.
Kick allows its creators to take home 95 per cent of the £4.99 subscription cost that fans pay.
Streamers keep 100 per cent of direct tips and donations, minus minor standard payment processing fees.
It is unclear how many subscribers Noah currently has because this information is hidden, but he does have 7,200 followers which is publicly viewable.
An industry insider has suggested Noah is making around £400 per video on TikTok, while Venezuela is likely to make £2,000 due to her following count of 1.3 million.
An industry insider has suggested Noah is making around £400 per video on TikTok, while Venezuela is likely to make £2,000 due to her following count of 1.3 million
In one video on their honeymoon, Noah asked his followers if they'd give them some more gifts now that they were married.
In a TikTok live viewed by 20,000 he said: 'Keep liking our videos people, keep sending gifts.'
After saying thank you to several of his followers he joked they should stick around on the livestream and 'watch Venezuela punch me in the mouth'.
The other half of the honeymooning couple said: 'I am, honestly!'
Noah previously confirmed that the pair don't share their finances after they were asked whether they have a shared bank account.
'She earns her money, I earn mine,' said Noah, as Venezuela joked: 'Yeah, what you gonna do about it.'
Noah went on to debunk the rumour that Tyson gave him £5million when he tied the knot with his daughter as he insisted: 'No Tyson did not give me £5million'.
Meanwhile Venezuela is being eyed up by executives for a fly on the wall TV series.
Noah went on to debunk the rumour that Tyson gave him £5million when he tied the knot with his daughter as he insisted: 'No Tyson did not give me £5million'
Boasting 1.3 million TikTok followers, Venezuela is already entertaining fans with her honest musings and candid moments, from cooking to kitting out her and Noah's static caravan home.
And following the success of the Netflix series At Home With The Furys, it is no wonder bosses are wanting to draw on the Fury popularity.
A TV insider said: 'The couple are not A-list celebrities but everyone has become obsessed with their love story.
'People are genuinely intrigued by them. Whether it’s the fact they have married so young, Venezuela’s famous family or their gypsy lifestyle, they have the ‘X factor'.
'Several TV executives think a proper fly-on-the-wall series following their lives as newlyweds in the gypsy community would be fascinating,' they told The Sun.
It is thought Netflix would be likely to produce the series due to their already established relationship with the Furys.
Venezuela's representatives told The Daily Mail: 'We have many offers on the table regarding Venezuela which we are discussing.'
