Kevin Lee was once a rising star in the MMA world, and his UFC career got off to a brilliant start. “The Motown Phenom” went 9-2 in his first eleven fights with the promotion and many thought he could challenge for the lightweight title.
His first run in the UFC ended poorly, and he was released in 2021. It was a tough break after losing back-to-back matchups against former champ Charles Oliviera and Daniel Rodriguez.
Lee made his return to the Octagon at UFC Vegas 76 at welterweight against Rinat Fakhretdinov. The fight lasted just 55 seconds. Lee was dropped with a two-punch combination and Fakhretdinov quickly latched onto his neck and finished the fight with a guillotine choke.
Veteran UFC referee Herb Dean gave Lee every chance to escape the choke but realized the fighter was unconscious. Lee never tapped.
Fakhretdinov is now the rising star and has made quick work of the welterweight division. The Russian fighter has won all three of his bouts in the UFC and has won 20 straight fights overall. The last time he lost was in 2013 in his second professional fight.
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“You have to remember that we are the new generation,” Fakhretdinov said. “We are the best fighters around here.”
The “Gladiator” was noticeably fired up and was eager to show fans he could be more exciting after winning his first two fights in the UFC by decision. It was the 15th first-round finish of his career.
Former UFC champion and current commentator Michael Bisping seems to be buying in on the rising prospect.
“Well in the past you won twice by decision but there was nothing boring about that,” said Bisping. “I think we have a contender on our hands.”
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