Kevin Lee says he’s planning to test the waters at welterweight again for his UFC comeback.

Lee (18-6 MMA, 11-6 UFC) revealed on social media Monday that his return to the octagon, whenever it may be, will come at 170 pounds rather than lightweight, where he’s earned his most notable UFC wins.

“The Motown Phenom” hasn’t seen action since a third-round submission loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC Fight Night 180 in March 2020, after which he underwent ACL surgeries on both of his knees. He told MMA Junkie in February that he was recovering well and nearing a comeback, but now he’s pulled a swerve.

According to Lee, welterweight will be his division of choice (via Twitter):

I’m moving to 170lbs for the foreseeable future. Oliveira can have the lightweights we’ll get that back later

— Kevin MTP Lee (@MoTownPhenom) May 10, 2021

I’m moving to 170lbs for the foreseeable future. Oliveira can have the lightweights we’ll get that back later

Lee did not reveal any further information about his motives for the move, especially after his one fight in the division against Rafael dos Anjos in May 2019 ended in a third-round submission loss. The 28-year-old has had difficulty managing his weight in recent years, having missed the lightweight limit on two occasions, including prior to his bout with Oliveira.

He’ll seemingly give it another shot, and teased that he already has a fight offer on the table. Lee sent a tweet to Mike Perry (14-8 MMA, 7-8 UFC) insinuating a potential matchup between them is on the table for UFC 264 on July 10 in Las Vegas (via Twitter):

@PlatinumPerry we fighting July 10 or what @seanshelby @danawhite

— Kevin MTP Lee (@MoTownPhenom) May 10, 2021

@PlatinumPerry we fighting July 10 or what @seanshelby @danawhite