Kevin Lee unsure why UFC declined offer to fight on Contender Series

Kevin Lee was prepared to work his means again to the octagon, however the UFC wasn’t .

Following a noteworthy first stint with the group, Lee (19-8 MMA, 11-8 UFC) re-signed with the UFC in 2023. He was rapidly submitted by Rinat Fakhretdinov in his return, after which introduced his retirement. Simply six months later, nonetheless, he walked again his resolution.

“The Motown Phenom” hoped his UFC tenure would proceed, and was even prepared to compete on Dana White’s Contender Collection – a present for prospects to get a chance at a UFC contract – to show his value. However regardless of Lee’s earlier success within the octagon, he was denied the chance.

“I actually wish to compete,” Lee mentioned on “The Ariel Helwani Present.” “For me, cash isn’t essentially the largest challenge. I mentioned I’d take that combat for $5k on Contender Collection, and I’ll combat the very best contender that they really feel they bought on the market. They weren’t thinking about that. Why? I don’t know. I didn’t have a lot dialog with the UFC moreover Sean Shelby, and he mentioned he wasn’t actually thinking about doing one thing like that. Once I talked to Ali (Abdelaziz), and he tells me something in regards to the UFC, he says they’re not in any respect.

“Why that’s? I couldn’t inform you. I’ve been a part of a number of the largest fights in UFC historical past. I completed off their Fox deal going into the ESPN deal, and I’m a fairly simple man to work with. I really feel like I’m skilled, I do what I must do, and I don’t rub too many individuals the unsuitable means. Why essentially they didn’t need me to go on Contender Collection to point out that I’m nonetheless one of many prime 155 pounders on the market, I don’t know, however I’ll be sure that this subsequent time, there isn’t any doubt.”

Lee’s MMA profession will proceed underneath the World Combat League (GFL) banner, which formally launches it’s draft on Jan. 24.