A.J. McKee has retirement timeline set unless ‘I’m making some abnormal amount of money’

A.J. McKee has set a timeline for the end of his mixed martial arts career, telling reporters he plans to retire around age 35 unless a sufficiently lucrative offer changes his mind. The 31-year-old featherweight, who recently signed a new deal with the PFL after a dominant 21-1 run in Bellator, estimates he has roughly four years of fighting left before pursuing other passions.

McKee's return to 145 pounds comes after a brief stint at lightweight, where he suffered a split-decision loss to Paul Hughes in 2024. He won his most recent PFL bout against Adam Borics via decision in March, and now faces undefeated prospect Salamat Isbulaev in the main event of PFL San Diego. McKee holds a 3-1 record in the PFL and is the only fighter to have defeated Akhmed Magomedov in the division, accomplishing that feat in July 2025.

Rather than view fighting as a lifetime pursuit, McKee emphasizes the importance of leaving the sport while still performing at his peak. "I came in on the top and I want to leave on the top," he explained, noting that setting a firm retirement date helps ensure he maintains that standard. Beyond MMA, McKee has already begun exploring his next chapter: competitive motorsports. He envisions himself racing motorcycles, IndyCars, or participating in off-road events like Baja racing. He recently tried competitive go-kart racing for the first time, an experience he described as successful despite spinning out occasionally.

Heading into the Isbulaev matchup, McKee views the bout as a statement to the featherweight division about his championship credentials. He has thoroughly studied Isbulaev's tape and identified potential weaknesses, particularly noting that the Russian prospect, who boasts a 10-0 professional record, has never competed in a five-round fight and tends to gas in extended exchanges. McKee expects victory but respects Isbulaev's accomplishments, calling it a high-risk, low-reward scenario where he is favored against an undefeated prospect.