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Kevin Lee Explains How Conversation With His Mother Led To MMA Comeback Declaration

Originally posted on MMA News | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated 2/7/24

Former interim UFC lightweight title challenger Kevin Lee is on the comeback trail courtesy of his mother's words.

Lee, who fell short of championship gold in his sole attempt to date opposite veteran 155lber Tony Ferguson back in 2017, initially called time on his career at the age of just 31 last year.

The announcement came just one fight into his UFC return, which saw him brutally choked unconscious by rising welterweight Rinat Fakhretdinov last July.

Prior to that result, "The Motown Phenom" had recorded a lackluster decision win over Diego Sanchez at Eagle FC 46 in what marked his sole outing away from the UFC following his sudden release.

While it appeared that Lee's MMA story had reached its end in 2023, he recently made a comeback declaration on social media. As it turns out, the 31-year-old's mother is largely responsible for his planned return.

Lee: 'If I'm Gonna Make A Run, Now Is The Time'

During a recent interview with MiddleEasy, Lee addressed his commitment to a mixed martial arts comeback and explained how he reached the conclusion that he has more to give in the sport.

Lee revealed that it wasn't a sudden decision, instead being one that he had pondered over for a number of months. The tipping point, however, was a comment from his mother.

"It’s a long time coming. I've probably been thinking about it for the last two months or so," Lee said. "The one (thing) that really kinda pushed me over the edge was a conversation that I had with my mom. She said that the smile in my soul is gone. I remember repeating it back to her to to make sure I heard it right. I was like, 'Man, that’s deep.'

'My takeaway from it was just that I needed to fight again. It had already kinda been, like, in my mind. It had already been something that I keep being driven to. When she said that, I was like, 'Okay, what am I gonna do?' I’m 31 now. If I’m gonna make a run, now is the time, and I don’t wanna live with no regrets," Lee continued. "I really need to see this thing through. I need to see my life through and feel good for myself."

It remains to be seen who Lee will face in his comeback and how far down the line it will come.

"The Motown Phenom" will be hoping to recapture the kind of form that saw him memorably knock out Gregor Gillespie and get the better of notable names like Michael Chiesa and Edson Barboza.

I’m gonna get in the best shape of my life that’s my focus right now. It’s been 6 months since I retired and I miss being around the sport
— Kevin Lee MTP (@MoTownPhenom) January 31, 2024