Kevin Lee, who had previously left the UFC, has returned as a fighter for the organization after signing a new contract.
After suffering back-to-back defeats at the hands of Charles Oliveira and Daniel Rodriguez in 2021, the former interim lightweight title challenger was released from the UFC.
Kevin Lee is back with the UFC ✍️
📰 https://t.co/W1azyxmQzT pic.twitter.com/gjGjpKNlbN
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) February 7, 2023
Being cut from the UFC, Kevin joined Eagle Fighting Championship to continue his MMA career. Despite this, the American fighter had a strong desire to compete again in the UFC and take on Khamzat Chimaev.
The Motown Phenom’s hope of facing Khamzat at some point in the future may or may not come true, but for the time being, he has every reason to celebrate his return to his favorite mixed martial arts organization.
per @bokamotoESPN
Kevin Lee is BACK in the UFC.
He resigned with the promotion after fighting for the Interim LW belt, and then signing with Eagle FC. pic.twitter.com/tAmFazflHV
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) February 7, 2023
Following the signing of the new contract, Lee released a picture of himself with UFC President Dana White, in which they can be seen smiling together. The boxer, who is now 30 years old, gave an interview with ESPN in which he shared his joy.
“I feel like I’m going back home. I’m grateful for them welcoming me back and looking forward to the next chapter of my career.” said Kevin.
Breaking: Dana White signs Kevin Lee to Power Slap League…To make debut in March for 2k/2k win and show money, per sources @BrentWelwany pic.twitter.com/4gVdhllc8a
— MMAFPress (@MMAFPress) February 5, 2023
Kevin Lee, whose most recent victory in the UFC came three years ago, signed with the promotion in 2014. Kevin, who has an overall record of 18-7-0 in his mixed martial arts career, has won against Gregor Gillespie and Edson Barboza in the past five years.
“I’ve done all this s*** for y’all. I’ve put myself and my body on the line just to end up with an alcohol problem and a tax problem, and at the end of the day, you take my respect away from me, too? It’s like OK, well s***. I’m going to stop right there.” Kevin further added.
Who would you like to see The Motown Phenom fight in his return to the UFC octagon ?
