UNLEASHED 
The Rise of Two Legends in the Lightweight Division
Kevin Lee, fondly known as “The Mo-Town Phenom,” held a unique desire in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He aspired to compete against the unbeaten champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, whose legendary status was solidified with a 29-0 run. Both fighters were quickly ascending the Lightweight ranks during the late 2010s, aware of each other’s potential and prowess. Despite the reluctance of ranked fighters to take on Nurmagomedov, Lee consistently voiced his readiness.
The Pivotal Interim Title Clash: Lee vs. Ferguson
Lee’s pathway to a potential clash with Nurmagomedov lay through the 2017 interim title bout against Tony Ferguson. If he had overcome Ferguson, who was then heading towards a face-off with Nurmagomedov, Lee would have realized his ambition. In his perspective of a fantasy bout against Russia’s finest, Lee believed he had identified the perfect strategy.
Lee’s Analysis of Nurmagomedov’s Style and His UFC Journey
In an interview with TSN, Lee disclosed his tactical analysis of Nurmagomedov’s fighting style. He emphasized on the Russian’s openness to body shots, his square standing style, and a pressure-forward technique. According to Lee, these attributes could be exploited with well-timed body hits, followed by a potential head kick.
Following a challenging period in the UFC with a 1-4 record in five fights, Lee was excluded from UFC’s roster in 2021. However, he has since returned to form, defeating UFC Hall of Famer, Diego Sanchez, by unanimous decision at Eagle FC 46 in March 2022. His unfulfilled aspiration of taking on Nurmagomedov, however, remains an intriguing part of his legacy in UFC.
