Mitch McKee Takes Short-Notice PFL Debut Against Sergio Pettis in Chicago

The bout gives an unranked newcomer a direct shot to prove he belongs in a division without a champion.

Overview

The main event in Chicago, set for Saturday at Wintrust Arena, headlines PFL Chicago on ESPN2 and the ESPN App.
McKee stepped in after his original opponent withdrew and said this late call-up matches PFL’s pitch to give him big chances and build him in the U.S.
With the bantamweight title vacant, McKee says a finish over the No. 1 contender could push him into a title fight, and Pettis says he still wants another belt on his resume.
McKee plans to pressure for takedowns and work the cage, while Pettis expects heavy wrestling attempts and warns he is ready to test the newcomer.
Pettis fights for the first time since longtime coach Duke Roufus died in October and says he aims to honor Roufus’s style with brother Anthony Pettis in his corner.