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Kevin Lee says lightweight return is about UFC welterweight division getting ‘a little stagnant’
After an unsuccessful welterweight debut, Kevin Lee has made the move back down to lightweight, and there’s a reason for that. He simply doesn’t believe there’s enough excitement in the 170-pound division for him to stick around.
“It was a lot of factors,” Lee told MMA Junkie of his decision. “Lightweight was starting to get a lot more momentum going, especially after the way Khabib (Nurmagomedov) beat Dustin (Poirier) the way that he did, and there’s so many moving parts. Welterweight has kind of gotten a little stagnant. They’re doing this new title now that Masvidal and Diaz are fighting for. It’s kind of a little boys title.”
One of the most vocal advocates for a 165-pound division, Lee questions why the UFC would introduce a ‘BMF’ title – which Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz will fight for at UFC 244 – when the promotion could have introduced a 165-pound belt instead.
“They should have made a 165-pound title if they’re going to make another one,” Lee said. “I mean, I hate to beat a dead horse like that, but because there was so little movement up there (welterweight), and my body naturally just wanted to go back down to 155, so I feel like this is the right move to do.”
Lee, who’s slated to meet Gregor Gillespie in his 155-round return next month at UFC 244, made the move to Tristar Gym following he last loss to Rafael dos Anjos at UFC on ESPN+ 10. Under the tutelage of coach Firas Zahabi, who’s trained Georges St-Pierre through the years, Lee hopes to turn things around.
The reason for Lee (17-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC), who has moved around quite a bit in his career, making the move was to finally have the guidance of one main head coach.
“It was really to work with Firas Zahabi,” Lee said. “I’ve been missing a head coach for a long time now, and I think that’s one of the biggest keys to me moving and getting to that next level. So I feel like I got the right guy now, and now it’s just time to show it.
“I’m really here to work with Firas (Zahabi), and I feel like his brain is already getting into me, and I’m feeling better as the days go.”
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