Kevin Lee

Kevin “Motown Phenom” Lee is an American mixed martial artist born on September 4th, 1992. He competes in the lightweight division of the UFC.

Lee was born and raised in Detroit and competed in basketball growing up, and started wrestling his junior year at Southfield High School. He was good enough to continue his wrestling career at university, where he was a national tournament qualifier. With 2 years left at school, he dropped out to focus on MMA.

Kevin “Motown Phenom” Lee – Photo by Sean Pokomy-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Lee’s career before the UFC

Kevin Lee has his first and only amateur fight in King of the Cage, where he defeated Tom Stalteri by submission (rear naked choke). He made his pro MMA debut in March of 2012 and won his first 3 fights by decision. The decision streak ended with his 4th fight and instead went on a submission streak of 4 straight wins.

Kevin Lee’s career in the UFC

Kevin Lee made his UFC debut against top ranked Al Iaquinta. Lee was defeated by unanimous decision. His next fight was his first win in the UFC, against Jesse Ronson by split decision. Lee won 3 fights in a row against Jon Tuck, Michel Prazeres and James Moontasri, Lee beat Moontasri by first round submission.

Kevin Lee faces Leonardo Santos on December 12 at UFC 194. Lee lost by TKO in the first round. Lee rebounded with 5 straight wins in only 14 months. The winning streak, where he beat both Michael Chiesa and Francisco Trinaldo., earned him a chance to fight for the interim lightweight title.

Tony Ferguson and Kevin Lee

Kevin Lee vs. Tony Ferguson – interim lightweight title

Kevin Lee faces Tony “El Cucuy” Ferguson on October 7th at UFC 216 – Ferguson vs. Lee in Las Vegas, Nevada.