Once upon a time, Kevin Lee belonged at the top of the lightweight division. He is a former title challenger, having competed for the interim title in 2017. Things have changed significantly since then. Currently, he is out of the UFC and has asked for the chance to compete in Dana White’s Contender Series. Nevertheless, Dana White and the UFC rejected this proposal, and the story is not over.
Kevin Lee made his MMA return this Saturday when he faced Thiago Oliveira at Lights Out Championship 17 in Michigan. Lee took on Bellator veteran Oliveira (17-12-1) and submitted his opponent in just two minutes. Speaking to MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck, the former UFC fighter reveals his plans for a second chance and a title fight against Islam Makhachev.
It’s a shame if I don’t ever get to fight Islam in his career. I think I pose threats for those guys that not a lot of other lightweights do.
Kevin Lee via MMAFightingonSBN YouTube
Lee made his return to the UFC in 2023 after departing the promotion in 2021. The return didn’t go as planned, as he suffered a submission loss to Rinat Fakhretdinov in just 55 seconds. The win over Oliveira is Lee’s first since winning a unanimous decision over Diego Sanchez at Eagle FC 46 on March 22. There is momentum on his side. However, a fight against Islam Makhachev is far-fetched at the moment.
Kevin Lee hopes career ‘second chance’ leads to eventual showdown with Islam Makhachev:
“It’s a shame if I don’t ever get to fight Islam in his career. I think I pose threats for those guys that not a lot of other lightweights do.”
(🎥 @MikeHeck_JR) pic.twitter.com/TiIuBMAKnz
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) September 28, 2024
The lightweight division is highly competitive, but Lee believes he can rise to the top. New contenders like Arman Tsarukyan, Dan Hooker, Mateusz Gamrot, Rafael Fiziev, and Renato Moicano are no easy fights. As such, the path to Makhachev is difficult. Kevin Lee does not want an easy path. It is why he offered to fight in the Contender Series, much to Dana White’s rejection.
Kevin Lee reacts to Dana White’s Contender Series rejection
As he awaits potential opportunities, Kevin Lee remains active in training and discussions with UFC officials. While aiming to turn his disappointments into opportunities, the American fighter hopes to secure a fight that could redefine his career. However, that opportunity did not come up with the UFC in the likes of Dana White’s Contender Series.
Kevin Lee reacts to Dana White’s Contender Series rejection (via Imago/X)Understanding the competitive nature of the UFC and the challenges of getting back in, Lee has emphasized his determination to keep pushing forward in his career. In an interview with MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck, Lee reacted to his rejection from the UFC’s least competitive fighting division.
I don’t know exactly what the problem is, you know. It’s not the numbers right. The issue is not me willing to show up and put on great fights. Honestly, I can’t point to what the issue is.
Kevin Lee via MMAFightingonSBN YouTube
With a win in his first of two fights scheduled, the former UFC title challenger aims to regain momentum in his career. He is determined to turn around his career. Lee will compete in a bare-knuckle fight against Saul Almeida in Jorge Masvidal‘s Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA on November 15th. A return to the UFC will be possible if he can maintain a winning streak.
