Kevin Lee wants to make it back to the UFC for a third run, and is off to a good start with an impressive showing Saturday.
Lee (19-8) competed in his first fight since leaving the UFC for the second time after a submission loss to Rinat Fakhretdinov in just 55 seconds at UFC on ESPN 47 last July.
Saturday, Lee took on Bellator veteran Thiago Oliveira (17-12-1) at Lights Out Championship 17, and ended this fight with a tight rear-naked choke submission in just two minutes.
Check out video of the finish below (via X):
Kevin Lee isn't paid by the hour! Quick work in the @MoTownPhenom's MMA return at @LightsOutFights 17!#LightsOutChampionship #MMA pic.twitter.com/QZTLhQ65Zq
— Spectation Sports (@SpectationNet) September 29, 2024
The win is Lee’s first since winning a unanimous decision over Diego Sanchez at Eagle FC 46 in March 22, which came after Lee’s first run with the UFC.
Lee recently told MMA Junkie his plan is to make it back to the UFC. He was even willing to compete on Dana White’s Contender Series for another shot at the big stage, which would have been a unique scenario for a former UFC interim title challenger.
“The Motown Phenom” already has his next fight scheduled. He will take on Saul Almeida at Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA on Nov. 15.
