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. Caldwell was too deep in the hold before the pain overwhelmed him and he tapped at the 1:11 mark of the opening frame.
Check out the eye-popping finish.
1️⃣7️⃣&0️⃣ @AJMcKee101 secures the win tonight at #Bellator253 in dominant fashion as he advances in the #FeatherweightWGP.#MMA #Bellator pic.twitter.com/ViIXJUKjkM
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) November 20, 2020