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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Kevin Lee

Kevin Lee is an American professional mixed martial artist best known for competing in the lightweight and welterweight divisions of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and later in the Professional Fighters League (PFL).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Kevin Lee is an American professional mixed martial artist best known for competing in the lightweight and welterweight divisions of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and later in the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he earned a reputation as a strong wrestler and submission threat and fought for the UFC interim lightweight title in 2017.

Early life and background

Kevin Lee was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and later trained in mixed martial arts while attending Grand Valley State University. Sources describe him as coming from the Detroit area and developing a wrestling-based fighting style.

Mixed martial arts career

Lee turned professional in 2012 and joined the UFC in 2014. He competed in the UFC’s lightweight and welterweight divisions and later fought in Eagle Fighting Championship and the PFL.

Interim title challenge

Lee headlined UFC 216 in October 2017, where he fought Tony Ferguson for the interim UFC lightweight championship. He lost the bout by third-round submission.

Later career

After leaving the UFC, Lee continued his career in other promotions, including the PFL. Coverage in 2023 reported that he had announced retirement from MMA after a brief UFC return.

Key facts

  • Kevin Lee is an American mixed martial artist from Michigan.
  • He competed in the UFC and later signed with the PFL.
  • He fought in both the lightweight and welterweight divisions.
  • In October 2017, he challenged for the interim UFC lightweight championship at UFC 216.
  • He has also competed in Eagle Fighting Championship.
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Canadian context

Kevin Lee has no major direct Canada-specific connection in the provided sources, beyond being relevant to Canadian mixed martial arts audiences through his UFC and PFL appearances.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Kevin Lee?
Kevin Lee is an American professional mixed martial artist known for competing in the UFC and PFL.
When was Kevin Lee born?
He was born on September 4, 1992.
What weight classes has Kevin Lee fought in?
He has competed in lightweight, welterweight, and super lightweight divisions.
Did Kevin Lee fight for a UFC title?
Yes. He fought Tony Ferguson for the interim UFC lightweight championship at UFC 216 in 2017.
What is Kevin Lee’s nickname?
His nickname is "The Motown Phenom."
Is Kevin Lee Canadian?
No. He is American and was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Lee
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, promotions, divisions, and UFC interim title challenge.
  2. UFC — https://www.ufc.com/athlete/kevin-lee
    Supports: Professional since 2012, submission and knockout win totals, and UFC career information.
  3. Yahoo Sports — https://sports.yahoo.com/one-round-rundown-who-is-kevin-lee-180851281.html
    Supports: Michigan background, Grand Valley State University attendance, wrestling and MMA training.
  4. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/37997003/kevin-lee-announces-retirement-brief-ufc-comeback
    Supports: 2023 retirement reporting, UFC interim title challenge, and career summary.