A.J. McKee will advance one step closer to the Bellator featherweight title after securing a spot in the finals of the promotion’s featherweight grand prix with an impressive first-round submission of Darrion Caldwell at Bellator 253.
McKee secured extended his unbeaten streak to 17 fights and put a former champion on his resume with a neck crank that brought a quick stoppage to the main event of Thursday’s fight card, which served as a semifinal bout in the $1 million tournament.
Caldwell secured an early takedown and was just beginning to unload with elbows when McKee wrapped his right arm under the ex-bantamweight champ’s left and used his own left arm and a body triangle to apply pressure.