Former UFC interim lightweight title challenger Kevin Lee was touted to be a UFC champion, but a series of injuries and weight cut-related injuries halted it. Lee was too big for lightweight and too small for a welterweight and was one of the advocates for the 165-pound weight class.
Kevin Lee retired from MMA after a first-round submission loss to Rinat Fakhretdinov at UFC Vegas 76 in July of 2021. The fight was his first in the UFC following his conversion to Islam in October of 2021 and looked poised to stay in retirement. However, it seems the fighter might return soon.
Kevin Lee teases comeback
Just seven months after his retirement, Kevin Lee surprised fans by announcing his comeback. This decision followed a 3-6 run in MMA, with all but one of his three victories occurring in the UFC. Known as ‘The Motown Phenom,’ Lee hinted at his return through a series of tweets. Throughout his 27-fight career, predominantly in the UFC where he holds an 11-8 record, Lee expressed his intention to drop weight and prepare for his return to MMA.
“I’m coming out of retirement. I’ll fight MMA again. Idk when, where, or who yet but I’m dropping weight and getting into shape now,” tweeted Lee on his social media account. While he has fought for organizations like Eagle FC, Kevin Lee has not provided specific details regarding the location, date, or promotion of his return.
I’m coming out of retirement. I’ll fight MMA again. Idk when, where, or who yet but I’m dropping weight and getting into shape now.
— Kevin Lee MTP (@MoTownPhenom) January 31, 2024
“I’m gonna get in the best shape of my life, that’s my focus right now. It’s been 6 months since I retired, and I miss being around the sport,” Kevin Lee shared in another tweet. This statement suggests that his primary focus is on reaching peak physical condition, driven by a longing to be back in the world of MMA after six months of retirement. He also made a promise to the fans that he is committed to returning in the best shape of his career.
I’m gonna get in the best shape of my life that’s my focus right now. It’s been 6 months since I retired and I miss being around the sport
— Kevin Lee MTP (@MoTownPhenom) January 31, 2024
In the UFC, Kevin Lee competed in both the lightweight and welterweight divisions, finding success primarily in the lightweight category. He reached the status of a one-time interim title challenger in the lightweight division. Moreover, Lee has also fought in the 165-pound weight class for Eagle FC against Diego Sanchez.
Why did Kevin Lee retire?
Kevin Lee decided to initially retire from MMA due to a series of injuries that ate up a lot of his prime years. Lee was required to have surgery post his loss to Rinat Fakhretdinov and that ultimately forced Lee to take up the decision. At the time, Lee announced his retirement via his official Instagram post.
“Thank you @danawhite @sean.shelby.ufc @ufc for giving me opportunities. UFC is the greatest promotion in history no doubt. Thanks @killcliff_fc @tristargym_mtl @xcmma @dcblackkobra”, Lee captioned his Instagram post announcing his retirement as he thanked the UFC brass and the different MMA gyms he trained at.
“And thanks to all the fans, I’ve had thousands of people come take pictures and give me support. I appreciate every single one,” Kevin Lee expressed his gratitude to the MMA fans who have supported him. “If you’re in Miami and want to get down to business hmu let’s work time to give my body a break. Alhamdulillah may god bless you,” Lee concluded the caption with a blessing.
Lee was just 30 years old when he retired and had already fought the likes of prime Tony Ferguson, Edson Barboza, Charles Oliveira, and Rafael Dos Anjos. Of the aforementioned names, only Tony Ferguson is in a downward spiral as he lost his 7th straight in the UFC.
Do you think Kevin Lee will fight in the UFC again? Leave your thoughts below!
