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Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) veteran, Kevin Lee, recently dropped back-to-back fights and three of his last four, but still believes he’s in a position to be talking about challenging some of the greatest fighters in the sport.
Like lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov.
That’s probably why “Motown Phenom,” fed up with the “muddiness” and “weird titles” at 170 pounds, is planning to make his return to the lightweight division, simply because Lee finds motivation in pursing the best of the best.
“After looking at that last fight with Khabib, I did an interview before Khabib fought Dustin (Poirier) and said I wasn’t too impressed,” Lee told ESPN. “But after seeing the way Khabib handled Dustin, I might want a piece of that cake. I like the biggest target I can find. He’s the real challenge out there. He’s the guy who is going to challenge Jon Jones for the pound-for-pound title. That’s the kind of fight that will get me up.”
Lee (17-5) struggled to make the 155-pound limit and expected to sign a new lease on his combat sports life with a move up to the welterweight division. Unfortunately, Rafael dos Anjos spoiled his coming out party with a fourth-round submission.
“I hear they’re going to Moscow and I hear Islam [Makhachev] might want a fight,” Lee said “Me and Islam on a co-main in Moscow sounds good to me. People see him as the next Khabib. I’ll be training with Georges [St-Pierre]. There’s talks of trying to make Khabib and Georges happen. There are a lot of little storylines there. Lot of motivation in a fight like that.”
UFC Moscow is scheduled for No. 9 in Russia.
While Makhachev (18-1) may seem farther along after winning six straight fights, including his UFC 242 decision win over Davi Ramos, he remains ranked No. 14 at 155 pounds, whereas Lee has managed to hold on to his No. 8 spot.
Lee vs. Makhachev … who wants it?