Spinning Back Clique: A.J. McKee’s featherweight pedigree, fighter pay, Sean Strickland, more

Check out this week’s “Spinning Back Clique,” in which our panel discusses the hottest topics in the UFC, Bellator and the world of MMA.

Check out this week’s “Spinning Back Clique,” in which the panel discusses the hottest topics in the world of MMA.

Check out the latest edition of “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly show that takes a quick spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts.

This week, our panel discusses A.J. McKee’s title win at Bellator 263 and if that makes him the best featherweight in the world. Plus, they dive into MMA fighter pay in the aftermath of Cheyanne Buys’ UFC on ESPN 28 win and subsequent viral revelation; Sean Strickland’s post-fight speech; Bellator and UFC breakout performances; and upcoming heavyweight potential fights.

Our “Spinning Back Clique” panel this week of Mike Bohn, Nolan King and Brian “Goze” Garcia discusses these topics and more with host John Morgan.

  • [autotag]A.J. McKee[/autotag] made easy work of arguably the greatest fighter in Bellator history when he took out dual lightweight and featherweight champion Patricio Freire in the Bellator 263 main event. McKee won the 145-pound title, as well as the promotion’s featherweight grand prix after blasting through the 16-man tournament with four stoppages – including three in the first-round. Where does that put McKee on the list of current featherweight greats?
  • At UFC on ESPN 28, [autotag]Sean Strickland[/autotag] dominated Uriah Hall to run his winning streak to five fights. In the process, he placed himself into title contention in the division. But did he take his post-fight speech a little too far?
  • The aftermath of [autotag]Cheyanne Buys[/autotag]’ win at UFC on ESPN 28 produced a viral moment with her revelation that she had a bank account in negative numbers and had borrowed money to finance a move back to Las Vegas to help her MMA career. Her $50,000 bonus for a first-round knockout likely will change her life. Did it reignite the discussion about fighter pay?
  • Bellator 263 and UFC on ESPN 28 took place on the same night. We delve into the events’ breakout performers.
  • UFC 265 takes place Saturday in Houston, and hometown fan favorite [autotag]Derrick Lewis[/autotag] will go after a belt when he meets [autotag]Ciryl Gane[/autotag] for the interim heavyweight title. After that bout, what are the big heavyweight fights to make?

We hope you enjoy this week’s show. Watch the full episode of “Spinning Back Clique” above.

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