Kevin Lee made a statement in his return to the win column.

With his back against the wall after suffering consecutive losses to Rafael dos Anjos and Al Iaquinta, Lee (18-5 MMA, 11-5 UFC) moved back down to lightweight to take on then-undefeated prospect Gregor Gillespie at this past November’s UFC 244.

Never one to back down from a challenge, former UFC interim lightweight title challenger Lee was an underdog, and he cashed in big.

It was his first fight since making the move to Montreal’s famed Tristar Gym, as he came out with a low stance, ready to defend Gillespie’s takedowns. However, the fight would never go there, as the two started out throwing heat early.

Lee stuck out his jab, throwing counters every time Gillespie stepped in. After a few exchanges, Lee backed Gillespie up, throwing an overhand right, followed by a beautifully timed head kick, which sent Gillespie flying across the octagon. It was an incredible first-round knockout for Lee, who bounced Gillespie out of the ranks of the unbeaten,

Lee returns to action Saturday when he heads to enemy territory to take on the Charles Oliveira in the UFC on ESPN+ 28 main event at Ginasio Nilson Nelson in Brasilia.

Check out Lee’s knockout over Gillespie in the video above.