Full Breakdown
A.J. McKee Secures Dominant Victory Over Salamat Isbulaev at PFL San Diego
6/28/2026, 9:55:41 PM
Main-Event Result
A.J. McKee defeated Salamat Isbulaev by unanimous decision (30-27 on all three judges’ cards) in the lightweight headliner at Pechanga Arena, San Diego, on June 28, 2026. The three-round bout ended without a stoppage, though McKee landed multiple elbows and ground-and-punch combinations in the final seconds.
Background & Context
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) absorbed Bellator earlier in the year, bringing former Bellator featherweight champion McKee onto its roster. McKee, 25-2, returned to the 145-pound division after a stint at lightweight, while Isbulaev entered the fight with a 10-0 record and the division’s first undefeated prospect status.
Key Figures
- A.J. McKee – Former Bellator Featherweight World Champion, now a PFL staple.
- Salamat Isbulaev – Kazakh prospect, previously 10-0, making his PFL debut in the main event.
- Liz Carmouche – Former UFC flyweight, co-main-event winner, now 13-1 across Bellator and PFL.
- Viviane Araujo – Ex-UFC flyweight, defeated by Carmouche.
Fight Analysis (On-the-Ground Reports)
McKee employed a diversified attack, mixing takedowns, striking, and submission attempts. He secured takedowns in each round, controlled Isbulaev on the ground, and delivered elbows that opened a cut on Isbulaev’s eye. Isbulaev landed a clean right early in round 1, but McKee responded with leg kicks, a flying switch kick, and a series of grappling exchanges that prevented Isbulaev from establishing rhythm. The third round featured a near-finish as McKee mounted Isbulaev and unleashed a barrage of elbows before the final bell.
Salary Disclosure (Data & Statistics)
The California State Athletic Commission released the fighters’ payroll:
- A.J. McKee: $100,000 guaranteed (no win bonus).
- Salamat Isbulaev: $10,000 guaranteed (potential $10,000 win bonus forfeited).
- Liz Carmouche: $50,000 to show, $50,000 win bonus.
- Viviane Araujo: $20,000 (no win bonus).
- Other notable payouts: Alexander Shabliy $50,000; Rob Wilkinson $40,000; Khasan Magomedsharipov $40,000; Shannon Clark $6,000 total.
Official Statements & Responses
The California State Athletic Commission confirmed the disclosed figures, noting they reflect the contractual agreements filed for the event. No additional commentary from the PFL organization was provided in the sources.
Criticism of Pay Structure
Observers highlighted the ten-fold disparity between the main-event headliners, describing the gap as “a number that tends to linger.” The contrast has been cited as evidence that the PFL’s compensation model for emerging prospects remains modest relative to established stars.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree on the fight outcome, judges’ scores, and disclosed salaries; no contradictory data were identified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You call a mercenary when you need something done,” — A.J. McKee, Fighter
- “Isbulaev is a beast.” — A.J. McKee, Fighter
- “I underestimated him.” — A.J. McKee, Fighter
- “I want the title.” — A.J. McKee, Fighter
What’s Next
The PFL’s next card is scheduled for July 19 in Washington. With the featherweight title vacant, McKee’s victory positions him as a leading contender; the only higher-ranked featherweight is Timur Khizriev, who currently sits at No. 1 in the PFL rankings. A title bout between McKee and Khizriev is anticipated as the division’s next marquee matchup.
