Quick Facts
Biography
Kevin Lee (born September 4, 1992) is an American professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Background
Born and raised in Detroit, Lee competed in basketball growing up and began wrestling during his junior year at Southfield High School. Lee was talented enough to continue his wrestling career at Grand Valley State University, where he was a national tournament qualifier. However, with two years left of wrestling eligibility at the school, Lee dropped out to focus on a career in mixed martial arts.
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
On the heels of an undefeated amateur career, Lee turned professional in March 2012. He won his first seven bouts, including four via submission, prior to signing with the UFC.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Lee signed with the UFC in December 2013.
Lee made his debut for the promotion at UFC 169 against Al Iaquinta. Lee suffered his first defeat via unanimous decision.
At The Ultimate Fighter 19 Finale on July 6, 2014, Lee got his first win for the promotion when he defeated Jesse Ronson by split decision.
Lee faced Jon Tuck at UFC 178 on September 27, 2014. Lee won the fight via unanimous decision.
Lee faced Michel Prazeres on February 14, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 60. Lee won the fight by unanimous decision.
Lee next faced James Moontasri on July 15, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 71. Lee won the fight via first round submission.
Lee faced Leonardo Santos on December 12, 2015 at UFC 194. Lee lost the fight via TKO in the first round.
Lee next faced Efrain Escudero on April 23, 2016 at UFC 197. Lee won the fight via unanimous decision.
Lee next faced Jake Matthews on July 8, 2016 at The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale. Lee won the fight via TKO in the first round.
Lee faced Magomed Mustafaev at UFC Fight Night 99 on November 19, 2016. He won the fight via submission in the second round.
Lee faced Francisco Trinaldo on March 11, 2017 at UFC Fight Night 106. After a back-and-forth first round, Lee won the fight via submission in the second round.
Lee will face Michael Chiesa on June 25, 2017 at UFC Fight Night 112 .
Championships and accomplishments
- Total Warrior Combat
- TWC Lightweight Championship (One time)
Mixed martial arts record
| Professional record breakdown | ||
| 17 matches | 15 wins | 2 losses |
| By knockout | 1 | 1 |
| By submission | 7 | 0 |
| By decision | 7 | 1 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 15–2 | Francisco Trinaldo | Submission (rear-naked choke) | UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Gastelum | 000000002017-03-11-0000March 11, 2017 | 2 | 3:12 | Fortaleza, Brazil | |
| Win | 14–2 | Magomed Mustafaev | Technical Submission (rear-naked choke) | UFC Fight Night: Mousasi vs. Hall 2 | 000000002016-11-19-0000November 19, 2016 | 2 | 4:31 | Belfast, Northern Ireland | Performance of the Night. |
| Win | 13–2 | Jake Matthews | TKO (punches) | The Ultimate Fighter: Team Joanna vs. Team Cláudia Finale | 000000002016-07-08-0000July 8, 2016 | 1 | 4:06 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 12–2 | Efrain Escudero | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 197 | 000000002016-04-23-0000April 23, 2016 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Loss | 11–2 | Leonardo Santos | TKO (punches) | UFC 194 | 000000002015-12-12-0000December 12, 2015 | 1 | 3:26 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 11–1 | James Moontasri | Submission (rear-naked choke) | UFC Fight Night: Mir vs. Duffee | 000000002015-07-15-0000July 15, 2015 | 1 | 2:56 | San Diego, California, United States | |
| Win | 10–1 | Michel Prazeres | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Thatch | 000000002015-02-14-0000February 14, 2015 | 3 | 5:00 | Broomfield, Colorado, United States | |
| Win | 9–1 | Jon Tuck | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 178 | 000000002014-09-27-0000September 27, 2014 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Tuck was deducted one point for a groin kick. |
| Win | 8–1 | Jesse Ronson | Decision (split) | The Ultimate Fighter: Team Edgar vs. Team Penn Finale | 000000002014-07-06-0000July 6, 2014 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Loss | 7–1 | Al Iaquinta | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 169 | 000000002014-02-01-0000February 1, 2014 | 3 | 5:00 | Newark, New Jersey, United States | |
| Win | 7–0 | Eric Moon | Submission (standing guillotine choke) | TWC 20: Final Cut | 000000002013-11-16-0000November 16, 2013 | 1 | 1:24 | Lansing, Michigan, United States | Won the TWC Lightweight Championship. |
| Win | 6–0 | Travis Gervais | Submission (armbar) | Canadian Fighting Championship 8 | 000000002013-09-13-0000September 13, 2013 | 1 | 0:46 | Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada | Catchweight (160 lbs) bout. |
| Win | 5–0 | Joseph Lile | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Midwest Fight Series 5 | 000000002013-07-19-0000July 19, 2013 | 3 | 1:29 | Indianapolis, Indiana, United States | |
| Win | 4–0 | Kyle Prepolec | Submission (guillotine choke) | Michiana Fight League | 000000002013-04-13-0000April 13, 2013 | 2 | 2:17 | South Bend, Indiana, United States | |
| Win | 3–0 | J.P. Reese | Decision (unanimous) | IFL 51: No Guts, No Glory | 000000002012-11-17-0000November 17, 2012 | 3 | 5:00 | Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States | |
| Win | 2–0 | Mansour Barnaoui | Decision (unanimous) | Instinct MMA: Instinct Fighting 4 | 000000002012-06-29-0000June 29, 2012 | 3 | 5:00 | Montreal, Quebec, Canada | |
| Win | 1–0 | Levis Labrie | Decision (unanimous) | Instinct MMA: Instinct Fighting 3 | 000000002012-03-31-0000March 31, 2012 | 3 | 5:00 | Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada |