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UFC 244’s Kevin Lee on Gregor Gillespie: ‘The most dangerous fight I’ve ever taken’

NEW YORK – Kevin Lee has faced a who’s who of the UFC lightweight division. From Edson Barboza to Tony Ferguson to Al Iaquinta, the “Motown Phenom” has faced some of the toughest challenges the weight class has to offer.

In an interview with MMA Junkie on Wednesday, however, Lee (17-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC) labeled his UFC 244 matchup against Gregor Gillespie (13-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) “the most dangerous fight” of his life.

“Hands down, this is the most dangerous fight I’ve ever taken in my life,” Lee said. “It’s a guy who’s really dangerous. A lot of guys on the inside know he’s got a legit shot to even beat Khabib (Nurmagomedov) or anybody else in this weight class.

“He’s the most decorated wrestler. Dude would be in the Olympics if it wasn’t for Jordan Burroughs. Fighting somebody like this who not a lot of people know which makes him even more dangerous is going to be tough. I’ve prepared 100 percent for this. I already know this is going to be the toughest fight I’ve had.”

Gillespie currently sits atop an undefeated record, both inside the UFC and out, having finished his last five fights and 12 opponents overall. Despite having the bigger name recognition, Lee understands the threats Gillespie presents.

“It’s proving something to myself more than anything,” Lee said. “This man is undefeated. No one has really figured him out yet. He ain’t been beat, so he don’t have that confidence. He’s on the up and up and he’s going to try to make a name off of me. It’s proving to myself that I’m still coming up and I’m still rising. I’m still going to be even bigger and better.

“I’ll be honest with you, I’m coming off two losses. That (expletive) eats at you. It’s not easy having to rebound from that. So Gregor’s going to have to face the worst of it, but I’m going to make sure I give it to him.”

UFC 244 marks Lee’s return to lightweight. After losing a five-round decision to Iaquinta, Lee elevated to 170 pounds where he was submitted by former champion Rafael dos Anjos by fourth-round arm triangle choke.

While Lee acknowledged the weight cut will be much more difficult than his last fight, he implied the intent was always to return back to the weight class. It just happened maybe a little sooner than expected.

“It was inevitable that I was going to go back down,” Lee said. “Even when I went up to 170. I fought the number three guy in that weight class at that time. It was a good fight, but I knew I was going to go back down.

“The timing and everything worked out. More than anything, I just wanted to fight again this year. I only got one fight in. Welterweight was getting a little muddy, and it was time for me to move back down and make a change.”

UFC 244 takes place Saturday at Madison Square Garden in New York. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN2 and ESPN2/ESPN+/UFC Fight Pass.

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