It’s safe to say that the McKee family got under Patricio Pitbull’s skin.

On Thursday at the Bellator 263 pre-fight press conference, things were going fine until an argument broke out over what was and wasn’t considered to be “disrespectful” that culminated in the two fighters having to be physically separated and Pitbull storming out of the presser. Speaking with MMAJunkie afterwards, Pitbull explained what happened.

“Things went south when he started to talk sh*t about respect,” Pitbull said. “Everyone knows his father was saying to the media that I was on drugs. After that, he said something about (how he) would beat me in front of my family. I will make him show some respect for them. The last one who talked sh*t like this, I kicked his ass in less than a minute. Now, he deserves the same thing.”

McKee’s father, Antonio McKee, is an accomplished MMA fighter in his own right and serves as his son’s head coach. In a pre-fight interview with SHOWTIME Sports last month, the elder McKee brought up the topic of performance-enhancing drug usage in Bellator and while he stopped short of directly accusing Pitbull, he left the suggestion out there.

“Only thing we’re really concerned about is making sure USADA steps in and makes sure these fighters do drug tests, because a fighter being at his age, not accusing him of anything, but I look at pictures of him in the past and I look at pictures of him now...,” McKee said. “I’m a 51-year-old man and you see this sh*t, I’m yaked up. This is all natural hard work but let me tell you something, to maintain that muscle genetically, its a lot harder for others versus people of color, not to bring color into it but genetically it is a little different. So I’m just looking forward to USADA making sure we get those good tests and everything is great because we are going to pass all the tests”

Those comments seem to have struck a chord with Pitbull. The two-division Bellator champion has never failed a drug test in his career and has, at times, been adamant in requesting more stringent testing for his fights. That accusation, coupled with the comments about his family, is what set Pitbull off.

“I don’t know, he has 60 (years),” Pitbull said. “He is stronger than me, so he’s on drugs, too? Maybe? I don’t know what he wants. I’m 34. F*ck, man. I’m not 60 or 40. I’m a competitor and still a little bit fat. F*ck, man. He’s afraid of what will happen.... I’m going to kick his ass up.”

Pitbull will have his chance to silence the McKee family tomorrow at The Forum in Los Angeles, Calif.

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TOP STORIES

Reflections. Past opponents reflect on the night they fought Patricio Pitbull.

Heated. Patricio Pitbull storms out of Bellator 263 presser, fighters clash after A.J. McKee snatches belt.

COVID. Amanda Nunes tests positive for COVID-19, fight with Julianna Pena at UFC 265 cancelled.

Coke. UFC flyweight Juancamilo Ronderos receives one-month USADA suspension for cocaine.

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VIDEO STEW

Between the Links.

Bellator 263 Press Conference.

Top finishes from Bellator 263 fighters.

UFC Vegas 33 Fighters You Should Know.

Orthopedic surgeon reviews Chris Weidman needing more surgery.

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LISTEN UP

Heavy Hands. Discussing UFC Vegas 33 and Pitbull vs. McKee.

Jack Slack. Breaking down Pitbull vs. McKee.

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SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

Pitbull with a message for Snoop.

Statement.

Working with the boot on.

Can’t stop, won’t stop.

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FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Danny Sabatello (10-1) vs. Johnny Campbell (21-13); Bellator 264, Aug. 13.

Aspen Ladd (9-1) vs. Macy Chiasson (7-1); UFC Fight Night, Oct. 2.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

Thanks for reading and see y’all on Monday.

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EXIT POLL

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