Sadly, UFC fans won’t get to see Kevin Lee active inside the octagon again. The veteran competitor and former interim title challenger for the UFC announced his retirement from mixed martial arts. He did this on his Instagram through a short video.
Continue reading to learn why Lee has taken his leave from MMA.
Reflecting on his career, he acknowledged his challenges, fighting formidable opponents and constantly pushing himself beyond his limits. He expressed satisfaction with his accomplishments, emphasizing his unwavering determination and refusal to back down from any fight.
Furthermore, Lee just re-signed with the UFC and is only 30 years old. This is why this news may surprise some.
After over two years away from the octagon, where he just once competed and won by beating Diego Sanchez under the Eagle FC label, Lee re-signed with the UFC. Furthermore, in just under a minute, Rinat Fakhretdinov ended Lee at UFC on ESPN 48 earlier this month. Now, Lee has decided to leave MMA and the UFC. He stated that it had taken more than a decade of hard work to become the finest fighter in the world. He explained his reasons addressing the physical toll the previous three years have taken on his body. He emphasized that his injuries were the main motivation behind making this decision. Lee also informed his fans about the surgery he would have to undergo shortly.
However, he was proud to retire from the combat sport on his own terms. Lee further established that he had to consider more than just himself and his skills. He believes he can use this time and energy for something else. Additionally, the now ex-fighter is hopeful that god will lead him to a more productive path. Lee also thinks that if he used the same dedication in another activity, he could reach new horizons, and his potential would be unlimited.
With 27 professional fights under his belt, Lee leaves MMA with a 19-8 record. He may have reached the zenith of his professional career when he challenged for the interim lightweight championship in the UFC in 2017. He was submitted in the third round of the bout by Tony Ferguson.
What are your opinions on Lee’s sudden retirement? Let us know in the comments!
