Dana White’s Contender Series is a place for up-and-coming fighters to catch the eye of the UFC boss.
But for Kevin Lee, he viewed it as the perfect opportunity to make a second impression.
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Lee, who challenged for the interim UFC lightweight title in the past, approached matchmaker Sean Shelby and offered his services for the company.
“I want to compete again,” Lee said on Anik & Florian (thanks to MMA Fighting for the quotes). “I even told Sean that I’m willing to go on Dana White’s Contender Series to show how serious I am about competing at a high level.”
Lee, though, was turned down by Shelby before it could even get any further.
“He said no, but I was willing to do it,” Lee said. “It’s $5,000 flat. That’s all you get. For $5,000, we’re losing money, but I’m still willing to do it.”
Kevin Lee Still Looking For Possible UFC Return
The 32-year-old Lee last fought in summer 2023, losing to Rinat Fakhretdinov via technical submission. He dropped three of four before leaving the company.
Back in 2017, Lee and Tony Ferguson met for the interim title. Ferguson scored a third round submission win, snapping a five-fight win streak for “Motown Phenom.”
Lee made his promotional debut back in 2014, falling to Al Iaquinta. His first UFC victory came later that year when he topped Jesse Ronson via decision.
