Former UFC interim title challenger Kevin Lee has found a new home in MMA, as he has signed with Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Eagle FC promotion.
This is according to Nurmagomedov, who revealed that Eagle FC is close to signing Lee but nothing has been finalized just yet.
Lee and Nurmagomedov have a bit of interesting history. Both at one point were at the top of the heap in the UFC lightweight division, with Nurmagomedov holding the title and Lee a former interim title contender. Lee lost his best opportunity to Nurmagomedov when he lost the interim title to Tony Ferguson at UFC 216.
Lee was shockingly cut by the UFC in recent weeks after a long career with the promotion. However, the former lightweight prospect had lost four of his last five fights, including one-sided performances against Daniel Rodriguez and Al Iaquinta.
Kevin Lee’s Free Agency Could Be Coming To An End
Khabib Nurmagomedov said at FITROO press conference today that EFC is close to signing Kevin Lee and is "open for everything" including signing Tony Ferguson and Cody Garbrandt
pic.twitter.com/EWfDMh1tCG
— RT Sport (@RTSportNews) December 13, 2021
After getting released by the UFC, Lee had reportedly been in talks with the PFL and Bellator during his free agency. The still-talented lightweight prospect has a real chance at a reset in his career as he looks to realize the potential many thought he had in the octagon.
Lee hasn’t won consecutive fights since 2017, and his last win came in late 2019 against Gregor Gillespie. After a few brutal weight cuts at lightweight, Lee opted to move to welterweight with mixed results.
It’s unclear what the details are of Lee’s impending contract talks, but it sounds like something could be set in stone within a few days. A relatively inactive 2021 could set him up for a fresh slew of fights next year as he looks to compete for championships once again.
Lee is just 29 years old and holds plenty of potential at both lightweight and welterweight.
What do you think about Eagle FC signing Kevin Lee?