Kevin Lee, after being denied a chance to compete on Dana White’s Contender Series, is making his MMA return against Thiago Oliveira at Lights Out Championship 17 and has also secured a fight with Saul Almeida in Jorge Masvidal’s Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA promotion, as he seeks to prove his worth and readiness to compete at 155 pounds.
Kevin Lee is ready to take the unconventional path to reenter the UFC or another major MMA promotion. He even offered to compete on Dana White’s Contender Series.
In a past interview with Anik & Florian, Lee revealed that the UFC denied his request. Now, the former interim UFC lightweight title challenger has two fights lined up.
First, Lee returns to MMA this Saturday, facing Thiago Oliveira at Lights Out Championship 17 in Michigan. This fight marks his first since a 55-second loss to Rinat Fakhretdinov at UFC Vegas 76 in July 2023.
When asked why the Contender Series plan fell through, Lee seemed puzzled. “I think it made sense,” he told MMA Fighting. “I don’t know exactly what the problem is.”
Lee elaborated on the situation, comparing his brother’s social media reach to that of Belal Muhammad. “My brother did a small video for me, and it got 12 million views,” he said. “Dana bragged about Belal getting 20 million views as a champion.”
“I don’t think the issue is my willingness to show up and put on great fights,” Lee continued. “Honestly, I can’t point to what the issue is.” Despite offering to fight on the Contender Series, the UFC declined.
So now, Lee shifts back to the regional scene to face Oliveira. Less than two months later, he’ll debut for Jorge Masvidal’s Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA promotion against Saul Almeida.
For Lee, the Almeida booking happened quickly. “Anybody who is a professional fighter knows having that date really sets the training in motion,” he explained.
Lee isn’t hung up on fighting for the UFC anymore. “I’ve given a lot to the company, but if that’s not what’s next, then that’s not what’s next,” he stated. “I’ll fight somewhere else.”
He acknowledged that his outspoken nature might have rubbed Dana White the wrong way. “I made some comments about the APEX,” Lee admitted. “But listen, this is part of being me.”
Despite any friction, Lee maintains he’s always treated everyone right in the industry. “From media guys to publicists and PR people, I’ve done right by everyone,” he said.
The journey back to where Lee feels he belongs starts this weekend. On paper, he’s favored against Oliveira but doesn’t feel overly pressured by potential outcomes.
“There’s still a ton of pressure when I go back home and I’m not a world champion,” Lee confessed. “Yeah, I fought for a belt, but I’m not a world champion.”
Experience has brought him some relaxation, but pressure remains high for this fight. “I know how these feelings go and how to control them,” he noted.
“I’m going to whoop his ass,” Lee declared confidently. He aims to prove he’s back, healthy, and ready to compete at 155 pounds despite fighting at 170 due to short notice.
Lee concluded with determination: “[I’m] ready to compete with the best of the 155 pounders.”