Kevin Lee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kevin Lee |
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Kevin Lee in 2018
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| Born | Kevin Jeese Lee Jr. September 4, 1992 Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S. |
| Nickname(s) | The Motown Phenom |
| Residence | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Weight | 170 lb (77 kg) |
| Division | Welterweight (2019, 2021–2023) Lightweight (2012–2018, 2019–2020) Super lightweight (2022) |
| Reach | 77 in (196 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Fighting out of | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
| Team | Xtreme Couture (2012–2019) Tristar Gym (2019–present) |
| Trainer | Dewey Cooper (2012–2023) Firas Zahabi (2019–2023) |
| Rank | blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu |
| Wrestling | NCWA Wrestling |
| Years active | 2012–2023, 2024-present |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 29 |
| Wins | 20 |
| By knockout | 3 |
| By submission | 9 |
| By decision | 8 |
| Losses | 9 |
| By knockout | 2 |
| By submission | 4 |
| By decision | 3 |
Kevin Jeese Lee Jr. (born September 4, 1992) is an American professional mixed martial artist. He is known for his exciting fights. Kevin Lee has competed in major organizations like the UFC and the Professional Fighters League (PFL). He has fought in different weight classes, including Lightweight and Welterweight. In 2017, he even fought for a championship title in the UFC.
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About Kevin Lee
Kevin Lee was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on September 4, 1992. He grew up in Detroit, Michigan. Kevin has a sister and two younger brothers. One of his brothers, Keith, is also a professional mixed martial artist. Keith has trained with Kevin in the past.
Kevin played basketball when he was younger. He started wrestling in high school. He continued wrestling in college at Grand Valley State University. He was very good, winning 37 matches without a loss in his second year. But Kevin decided to leave college early to focus on becoming a professional mixed martial artist.
Kevin Lee's Mixed Martial Arts Journey
Kevin Lee began his professional mixed martial arts career in 2012. He quickly showed his talent, winning several fights before joining the UFC.
Fighting in the UFC
Kevin Lee joined the UFC in 2014. His first fight was against Al Iaquinta, which he lost. After this, Kevin moved to Las Vegas to improve his training.
He soon got his first UFC win against Jesse Ronson in July 2014. Later that year, he also defeated Jon Tuck.
Key Fights in the UFC
In 2015, Kevin won fights against Michel Prazeres and James Moontasri. He then faced Leonardo Santos and lost.
In 2016, Kevin had a great year. He won against Efrain Escudero and Jake Matthews. He also defeated Magomed Mustafaev by submission. This win earned him a special "Performance of the Night" bonus.
In 2017, Kevin continued his winning streak. He beat Francisco Trinaldo and Michael Chiesa with impressive submission moves. These wins also earned him "Performance of the Night" bonuses. Later that year, he fought Tony Ferguson for the interim UFC Lightweight Championship. Kevin started strong but lost the fight.
In 2018, Kevin faced Edson Barboza. It was a tough fight, but Kevin won after the doctor stopped the match due to a cut on Barboza. He then had a rematch with Al Iaquinta, which he lost.
In 2019, Kevin moved up to the welterweight division. He fought Rafael dos Anjos and lost. After this, he decided to return to the lightweight division. He then had a big win against Gregor Gillespie, knocking him out in the first round. This knockout was named one of the best of 2019 and earned him another "Performance of the Night" award.
In 2020, Kevin fought Charles Oliveira. Kevin lost this fight by submission.
In 2021, Kevin was scheduled to fight Sean Brady, but the fight was canceled twice due to injuries. He then fought Daniel Rodriguez and lost. After this fight, Kevin was suspended for six months. In November 2021, the UFC announced that Kevin Lee was no longer with the organization.
Eagle Fighting Championship
In December 2021, Kevin Lee signed with Eagle FC. He made his debut in March 2022 against Diego Sanchez. Kevin won this fight by a unanimous decision.
Return to the UFC
In early 2023, Kevin Lee re-signed with the UFC. He made his return fight against Rinat Fakhretdinov in July 2023. Kevin lost this fight in the first minute.
On July 11, 2023, Kevin Lee announced he was retiring from MMA.
Return to MMA Again
Kevin Lee returned to mixed martial arts on September 28, 2024. He fought Thiago Oliveira and won by submission in the first round.
Professional Fighters League
In June 2025, Kevin Lee joined the Professional Fighters League (PFL). He fought Gadzhi Rabadanov in a tournament semifinal. Kevin lost this fight in the first round.
Personal Life
Kevin Lee became a Muslim in October 2021. He has a son, who was born in 2022.
Achievements
Kevin Lee has achieved several honors in his career:
- Total Warrior Combat
- TWC Lightweight Championship (One time)
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Performance of the Night (Three times) for his fights against Magomed Mustafaev, Michael Chiesa, and Gregor Gillespie.
- UFC.com Awards
- 2019: Ranked #5 Knockout of the Year for his knockout of Gregor Gillespie.
Images for kids
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Kevin Lee in 2018
See also
In Spanish: Kevin Lee para niños
