Former UFC interim lightweight title challenger Kevin Lee took a heated exchange with Al Iaquinta in an odd direction. Lee and Iaquinta fought each other two times during their respective UFC tenures. Iaquinta won both affairs by unanimous decisions in…
Former UFC interim lightweight title challenger Kevin Lee took a heated exchange with Al Iaquinta in an odd direction. Lee and Iaquinta fought each other two times during their respective UFC tenures. Iaquinta won both affairs by unanimous decisions in 2014 and 2018. Iaquinta recently retired from MMA following a losing skid in the UFC….
‘The Motown Phenom’ Kevin Lee recently discuss the UFC lightweight world title showdown between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira. Kevin Lee spoke with James Lynch and was most impressed with the marketing machine the UFC put together for UFC 280. Lee explained: “Yeah, I mean, that was a great fight, great fight. I think they […]
Kevin Lee spoke with James Lynch and was most impressed with the marketing machine the UFC put together for UFC 280. Lee explained:
“Yeah, I mean, that was a great fight, great fight. I think they set that fight up perfectly, you know. I think having Charles [Oliveira] go to the Middle East to do that fight was a genius move.”
Kevin Lee impressed by Islam Makhachev
When Lee was competing in the UFC, he had a losing fight against Brazil’s Oliveira in 2020, so he understands clearly how skilled Oliveira is. This just adds how impressive Islam Makhachev’s win over the former world champion was. Lee explained:
“I feel like [Islam Makhachev] exceeded all expectations. You know, he did way better in the grappling than I expected. He looked a whole lot stronger out there. And Charles looked off and looked upset at the result.”
Before the UFC 280 fight went down, Lee struggled to make a pick between the two. He said:
“That was really one of the fights where I didn’t predict it. And I really didn’t put any prediction into my head. Because I knew that that fight could go either way. Those guys are both very, very skilled. Their styles just match up real good. I knew whoever was going to win the grappling was going to win the fight.”
Kevin was an active fighter in the UFC lightweight division from 2014 to 2021. Most recently, he fought in Eagle FC.
On this day four years ago, we ran a story about Kevin Lee’s decision to wear a bullet proof vest at UFC 229. At UFC 229, the biggest fight in MMA history, Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor, took place from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, N…
On this day four years ago, we ran a story about Kevin Lee’s decision to wear a bullet proof vest at UFC 229. At UFC 229, the biggest fight in MMA history, Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor, took place from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The who’s who was in attendance and also…
Gregor Gillespie woke up to bad news today, as the UFC removed him from the rankings, causing a rampant rumor that he’d been released. Taking to Instagram to make a statement, ‘The Gift’ denied the release rumors and addressed his removal from the UFC rankings: “Guys, I’m STILL in the UFC relax. I’ll explain,” Gregor […]
Gregor Gillespie woke up to bad news today, as the UFC removed him from the rankings, causing a rampant rumor that he’d been released.
“Guys, I’m STILL in the UFC relax. I’ll explain,” Gregor Gillespie said.
“1) I’m removed from the RANKINGS. Not from the organization. (Fighters are removed from rankings when inactive for a period of time which I’m gathering is 12 months).”
“2) I’m not fucking going ANYWHERE, rankings or not.” He continued before launching into how much he loves the UFC, and despite their bad reputation for low pay, he’d say they’ve always paid him fairly so far.
Gregor Gillespie’s Statement on UFC Release Rumors, Continued
“I love the UFC, and contrary to what the haters say about them, the UFC has ALWAYS been more than good to me. Pay is great, everything super organized, the follow up after from medical staff is unbelievable, 100% class act top of the food chain.” ‘The Gift’ said.
“It is NOT their fault I have not had a fight. They have offered me plenty of fights in the last year. I have accepted any and all of them against guys who were ranked ahead of me (outside of the VERY short notice ones like 4-8 days), and conversely, I have obviously turned down all of the ones of guys ranked behind me. I am on a mission to fight the top guys w the lowest number next to their name and get towards that belt, and fighting guys who are ranked behind me isn’t the way to do that, but I also understand sitting for a long period of time isn’t either.”
“3) I am and have been patiently waiting for the right fight, one that is going to push me toward the belt,” Gregor Gillespie stated. “Since Ferguson turned it down like 100 fukin times in the last yr, since Mikey Chandler didn’t seem too interested in fighting me when I brought it up, and since RDA just turned down the fight against me (WHICH I ACCEPTED BTW) I guess @beneildariush will have to do. I know you’re banged up and recovering big dawg, so just gimme a 8 week heads up and let’s do the thing.”
“PS … RDA, Chandler, offer always fukin stands … RDA was cool with fighting me on 4 days notice when I was literally on a mountain 7 hours away from home when he needed a last-second replacement, but when just offered fight w me since then where I would have a fight camp, he straight up said no.”
“***Long story short, removed from rankings, not from the UFC,” Gillespie concluded.
What’s Next for Gregor Gillespie?
Gregor Gillespie was one of MMA’s most highly touted prospects before the Kevin Lee knockout in 2019. While still held in high regard, the momentum of Gillespie as an undefeated superstar was officially destroyed by that soul-taking head kick from Lee.
While previously fighting at least twice a year before that, the knockout would cause ‘The Gift’ to take almost a year and a half off before facing Diego Ferreira in what was a close fight, but one that ended favorably for Gillespie as he’d win via ground and pound TKO.
Now, it’s been over a year since that fight. Making Gillespie having fought a single time in an almost two and a half year period.
According to the man himself, an RDA, Beneil Dariush, or Michael Chandler fight seems to be most favorable. But as of now, there’s nothing concrete as to who Gregor Gillespie will face next.
Kevin Lee has revealed he would like Donald Trump to pick the next opponent he will face in Eagle FC. Following on from his unanimous decision victory over Diego Sanchez at Eagle FC 46 the former UFC fighter revealed he wants Trump to be involved when it comes to finding him his next challenge. Lee […]
Kevin Lee has revealed he would like Donald Trump to pick the next opponent he will face in Eagle FC.
Following on from his unanimous decision victory over Diego Sanchez at Eagle FC 46 the former UFC fighter revealed he wants Trump to be involved when it comes to finding him his next challenge. Lee was able to secure the victory over Sanchez despite sustaining damage to his knee that he suffered within the first round.
Lee then caught viewers off guard during his post-fight interview in which he would reveal his interest in having Donald Trump involved.
“I hear Donald Trump is starting to get back into promoting,” Lee stated. “So, it would be fun if he picked the next opponent.”
Trump has had experience within the fight industry previously. The 45th U.S. President owned a large amount of equity stake in Affliction Entertainment who hosted multiple MMA events. Trump himself would appear at some of these events and promote them during the promotion short stay from 2008-2009.
If Lee is correct and Donald Trump is making a return to the MMA world, it will be interesting to see where he ends up at.
Kevin Lee: ‘I’m The Best 165er Out Here’
Kevin Lee was able to secure himself a successful debut victory over Diego Sanchez at Eagle FC 46 despite suffering an injury and it seems this victory has boosted ‘The Motown Phenom’s confidence by some way. Following on from his win Lee used his post-fight interview to stake his claim at a shot for the title.
“There’s no doubt, I’m the best 165er out here,” Lee stated. “The best guy for anyone who wants to weigh 165.” (Transcribed by Middleeasy.com)
Given the birth of the new 165lbs division it may not be long before Kevin Lee obtains the first chance to secure the Eagle FC super lightweight title and deliver on his promise of being the best.
Were you impressed with Kevin Lee’s performance at Eagle FC 46?
Kevin Lee and Diego Sanchez went toe to toe in their Eagle FC debuts. Lee was able to beat Sanchez via unanimous decision in a very competitive fight. Diego Sanchez came out of the gates ready to throw down with Kevin Lee. Sanchez invested in leg kicks and body kicks early in the fight. ‘The […]
Kevin Lee and Diego Sanchez went toe to toe in their Eagle FC debuts. Lee was able to beat Sanchez via unanimous decision in a very competitive fight.
Diego Sanchez came out of the gates ready to throw down with Kevin Lee. Sanchez invested in leg kicks and body kicks early in the fight. ‘The Motown Phenom’ was able to maintain distance with his striking and dictate where the fight took place throughout the first round.
‘The Nightmare’s investment in leg kicks paid off as Lee’s lead leg was compromised throughout the fight. The leg kicks forced Lee to switch stances in the second round.
Vicious Elbows from @MoTownPhenom at the end of the second!
Lee was able to overcome the adversity and was able to power through for a win in a competitive fight. Sanchez looked much better than he had in prior fights.