Bellator 277 preview

In one of the most anticipated rematches in Bellator history, champion and undefeated fighter Aj McKee (18-0) defends his title for the first time against the man many consider to be the greatest Bellator fighter ever in former 145 and 155 pound champ Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (32-5). The event is set to take place Saturday night with Vadim Nemkov vs Corey Anderson as the co-main event, also on the main card we will get to see Aaron Pico, Brittish fighter Linton Vassell and American Timothy Johnson.

In their first matchup, Aj and Pitbull met in what many believed would be Aj’s biggest test. Yet the newly crowned champion took out the Brazilian Pitbull less than 2 minutes into the first round and started his reign as king of 145. Pitbull had been on a 7 fight win streak and had never been KO’d or even TKO’d in his 36 fight career. The bad blood has been building ever since, with Patricio’s younger brother and 155-pound champion Patricky (24-10) getting involved in the feud after AJ claimed he would end the “Pitbull” legacy. We will have to wait until Saturday to see what the future holds for two of the biggest and most respected fighters in Bellator. There have been rumors that if AJ were to win, he could potentially leave Bellator for the UFC, or possibly move up to 155 to add another belt to his collection.

In the Co-main event, we have a pivotal fight at 205, when champion Vadim Nemkov (15-2) takes on contender Corey Anderson (16-5). Nemkov is no stranger to facing former UFC competition as he captured his title from Ryan Bader via TKO and has already beaten Phil Davis twice, the Russian is looking to add another marquee name to his resume. Corey Anderson has been on a tear since leaving the UFC scoring 3 straight victories via TKO, the former TUF 19 winner is looking to win his first ever title and cement himself as the best 205 in Bellator. On the card as well is Aaron Pico (9-3) who is looking closer to challenging for the 145-pound strap, the former standout wrestler and boxer has looked impressive since suffering back to back losses in 2019 and is currently riding a 5 fight win streak (4 stoppages).

Main Card:

(C) A. J. McKee vs Patrício Pitbull

(C) Vadim Nemkov vs Corey Anderson

Aaron Pico vs Adli Edwards

Timothy Johnson vs. Linton Vassell

Prelims:

Tyrell Fortune vs. Rakim Cleveland

Rafael Carvalho vs Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov

Gaston Bolanos vs Daniel Carey

Kyle Crutchmer vs Michael Lombardo

Bobby Seronio III vs. Calob Ramirez

Rhalan Gracie vs. Tyson Miller