AJ McKee defeated Salamat Isbulayev by unanimous decision with scores of 30-27 across all three judges at PFL San Diego, extending his winning streak to three fights and improving his record to 25-2. The loss was Isbulayev's first professional defeat, dropping him to 10-1.
AJ McKee extended his winning streak to three fights with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Salamat Isbulayev at PFL San Diego on June 28, with all three judges scoring the bout 30-27 in the American's favor.
McKee, known as "Mercenary," improved his professional record to 25-2 with the win. The 178-centimeter fighter is one of the most well-rounded threats in the sport, averaging 11.01 takedowns and 11 submission attempts per 15 minutes, underscoring his ability to control opponents wherever the fight goes. He adds a striking game that produces 2.75 significant strikes landed per minute, making him a constant threat across all phases.
Isbulayev suffered the first loss of his professional career, falling to 10-1. The defeat snapped what had been a perfect start to life as a professional fighter, and the judges' identical 30-27 scorecards suggest McKee was in command throughout all three rounds.
Why it matters
- McKee's third consecutive win reinforces his position as a top contender in his division under the PFL banner.
- Isbulayev's unbeaten record had made him one of the more intriguing prospects entering the bout; this setback will test how quickly he can rebound.
- The lopsided scorecards indicate McKee's grappling-heavy, high-volume approach posed problems Isbulayev could not solve, raising questions about how other contenders would match up with that style.
