AJ McKee to face undefeated Salamat Isbulaev at PFL on June 27

AJ McKee, ranked #2 in the lightweight division with a 24-2 record, will face Salamat Isbulaev, ranked #6 with a perfect 10-0 record, on June 27 in San Diego. The matchmaking has raised questions about PFL's approach to Isbulaev's career trajectory. In his PFL debut, Isbulaev knocked out #3-ranked Jesus Pinedo in the first round but only moved to #6 in the rankings. Now he faces former Bellator champion McKee, one of PFL's strongest fighters, without receiving easier warm-up fights. The author notes this represents an extremely challenging path to the title for Isbulaev, though interesting to watch, and questions why he remains ranked #6 rather than #3 after his debut victory.