A.J. McKee: Fight IQ key to beating Salamat Isbulaev at PFL San Diego

>A.J. McKee believes victory will depend on one big factor when facing undefeated Salamat Isbulaev.

>McKee (24-2), a former Bellator champion, takes on Isbulaev (10-0) in the main event of PFL San Diego (ESPN2/ESPN+) – which takes place Saturday at Pechanga Arena in San Diego.

>Although the undefeated record might intimidate some, McKee sees it as a plus. He believes Isbulaev is lacking in experience, and that will show during their lightweight clash.

>"I think the fight IQ is what makes the difference in that situation," McKee told MMA Junkie Radio. "I've had almost triple the amount of fights. So the fight IQ, the awareness, I think those are going to be big keys that are going to implement a big change in this fight. Yeah, that's going to be a big key, just being able to assess where I'm at, what's going on and being comfortable in every position. I don't think he's going to be comfortable on the feet. And if he is, then we're going to have some fun. I know he's going to want to take me down. That's just what he does. That's kind of his game plan. But I also don't think he's fought anybody with the ground game that I have or the scrambles. I think if, and when, we do hit the ground, the chain wrestling, the grappling. I think he's going to be surprised at what's being thrown at him on top of the striking."

>On top of bringing twice as much professional experience as his opponent, McKee also sees some flaws in Isbulaev that he can exploit.

>"There's some loopholes in his game," Isbulaev said. "There's some flaws in his game as well as anybody's game. That's the amazing thing about mixed martial arts. I think he's good, but I don't think he's that good. I don't know what his game plan is; he's got a lot to prepare for as well. I think this is one of those fights where it's just like, I just got to go do what I do best, and that's kick ass and take names, go a hundred miles an hour, and just break him."

>This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: A.J. McKee: Fight IQ key to beating Salamat Isbulaev at PFL San Diego