Kevin Lee Returns to Lightweight to Face Gregor Gillespie
The Motown Phenom Kevin Lee was once a highly-touted prospect in the UFC’s most stacked lightweight division. These days, Lee is searching for his new identity. Losing 3 out of his last 4 fights, the latest loss was a welterweight bout against RDA. Now, Lee will be facing a new test in upcoming contender Gregor Gillespie, back in the lightweight division.
The UFC has yet to make any announcement of the pair squaring off, but a credible anonymous source told MMA Junkie plans for the fight. Lee vs Gillespie is supposedly scheduled for UFC 244 in Madison Square Garden. The news was first spread by talented journalist Farah Hannoun.
Kevin Lee (@MoTownPhenom) vs. Gregor Gillespie (@gregor_the_gift) targeted for #UFC244 (via @Farah_Hannoun) https://t.co/9HgX54XBLV
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) October 1, 2019
Lee’s Recent Struggles
As mentioned above, Lee’s previous struggles at lightweight led him to inquire about taking a fight in the UFC’s welterweight division against RDA. Unfortunately, the change didn’t result in the success Lee was looking for inside of the octagon.
Lee has mentioned in the past that the 155lb weight cut is very hard on him and mostly takes away from his ability to perform. Also, Lee is one of the frontrunners for the hopeful 165lb division, where he believes he would perform at optimum performance.
Another change Lee has made was switching camps, moving to Tri-Star MMA with head coach Firas Zahabi.
Gregor on the Rise
Gillespie, on the other hand, has taken the Lightweight division by storm. Although he’s 32 years old, Gregor is quickly climbing the UFC’s ranks, currently sitting at #11. His undefeated record of 13-0 comes from a result of high-level Division 1 collegiate wrestling. Not only is Gillespie undefeated, but he’s also finished his last 5 opponents in a row.
Gregor’s only hinderance is his desire to fight on a rigorous schedule. As an avid fisherman, Gillespie likes to take a long hiatus in between each fight to still be able to enjoy the hobbies he loves outside of fighting.
Gillespie vs Lee
It’s been almost a full year since Gregor Gillespie has entered the octagon. Now he will face an opponent in Kevin Lee, who feels like a change in camps will have him back on the right track.
With ranking implications on the line, a big win for either man here will surely catapult them into the top 6 of the UFC’s lightweight division.
