Former UFC interim title challenger Kevin Lee is expected to sign with Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Eagle FC promotion.
Nurmagomedov directly revealed that Eagle FC is close to signing Lee, but nothing has been finalized yet as of this writing. It appears to be just a matter of time, per Khabib’s comments.
Between 2016-2017, Lee went on a five-fight winning streak and earned an opportunity to challenge for the UFC’s interim lightweight title at UFC 216. Lee lost the bout to Tony Ferguson. This would be the closest that Lee would ever get to challenging Nurmagomedov.
After coming up short against Ferguson, Lee would go 2-4 in his final six bouts, including losses to perennial contender Rafael dos Anjos and current lightweight champion Charles Oliveira.
New Opportunities Await
A few weeks ago, to the surprise of many, Kevin Lee was released from his UFC contract after seven years with the promotion. Reports indicate Lee has been in talks with PFL and Bellator since his free agency began. When asked about their interest in signing Lee, Bellator’s Scott Coker told the promotion would not pursue Lee.
“We only have so many slots right now, and we’re really happy with our roster,” Coker said.
Enter Khabib Nurmagomedov and his Eagle FC promotion. Expected to make their U.S. debut in January, Eagle FC has begun the process of signing fighters and announcing bouts for their debut.
Already announced to take place is the return of Rashad Evans and a main event heavyweight fight between Antonio “Big Foot” Silva and boxing standout Tyrone Spong.
No additional details were revealed, but it sounds as though a deal is impending. Lee was pretty inactive in 2021, his only fight being a loss to Daniel Rodriguez in August. A new promotion and a new year could set Lee up for new opportunities. At just 29 years old, Lee has the potential to be a contender in any promotion he signs with.
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