When Kevin Lee (16-2) bested The Ultimate Fighter season 15 winner Michael Chiesa, those who slept on the Grand Rapids, Michigan fighter suddenly awakened to his ability.
Chiesa had impressive wins over Colton Smith, Beneil Dariush and Jim Miller, and was on the rise until Lee destroyed him with a rear naked choke in the first round of their pairing last June. Ironically, it was during that post-fight interview where Lee would inevitably set the stage for his next opponent.
Tony Ferguson and Kevin Lee Heated Argument at Post Fight Show
Tony Ferguson and Kevin Lee Heated Argument at Post Fight Show ahead of UFC 216 October 7th, Ferguson vs Lee Preview Kevin Lee verbally spars with Tony Ferguson after disputed win vs Michael Chiesa UFC FIGHT NIGHT SUB 4 MMA and More MMA Talk News Updates/ Promos/Highlights/EDITS WEEKLY Feel free
During the UFC on FOX remote broadcast, number one lightweight contender Tony Ferguson (22-3, 11 KOs) asked a question that sounded like a backhanded compliment to Lee, and verbal sparks flew. The two clearly resented one another and Lee let it be known that he didn’t respect Ferguson as a journalist or as a fighter. An incensed Ferguson set it off on Lee and the world salivated at this impromptu matchup being forged live over the airwaves.
Tony Ferguson and Kevin Lee get heated ahead of UFC 216 | UFC TONIGHT
Things get heated between Tony Ferguson and Kevin Lee ahead of their fight for the interim lightweight title at UFC 216. SUBSCRIBE for more from UFC ON FOX: https://www.youtube.com/ufconfox?sub_confirmation=1 Watch the latest content UFC on FOX content: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoGCJSexpGtxqzzEOyuHNvOrD_EqYSA6- Watch the latest from UFC Tonight: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoGCJSexpGtzVBqzn-0GTQs4IkmtCCRk9 TUF Talk: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoGCJSexpGtyiz8qVCn7c6HBzQilhtpRL FOX Sports YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/foxsports The Ultimate Fighter’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheUltimateFighterFX About UFC ON FOX: The official FOX Sports home of UFC coverage.
Since then, current UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor has fought and lost to Floyd Mayweather in a boxing match. As one of the powerhouse divisions in the UFC, they were forced to create an interim belt in McGregor’s absence, which Lee talked himself into.
The fight in many people’s opinion is the true lightweight title bout since McGregor won the belt in his first appearance in the division with a second-round TKO of Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 in late 2016.
Both Ferguson and Lee have spent the majority of their careers in the lightweight division and bring unique styles to the equation. Of all the lightweights, Ferguson is the most unorthodox fighter around. Moving very aggressively and striking from unique angles, he brings the tenacity of a Mexican fighter to MMA and has never been knocked out.
UFC 216: Ferguson vs Lee – Extended Preview
Tony Ferguson and Kevin Lee collide for the interim lightweight championship in the main event of UFC 216 in Las Vegas. Plus, flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson goes for his record 11th title defense vs. Ray Borg. Watch the extended preview.
Lee hails from the same Michigan stomping grounds as Floyd Mayweather and now trains at his gym in Las Vegas. He has lost by TKO once, but has since been on a five-fight win streak with all but one ending via finish. Epic trash-talking aside, one of these men will walk away with their first belt in the UFC while getting first dibs on a unification bout with McGregor.
In the co-main event, UFC flyweight champion, Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson finally will have his chance to beat Anderson Silva’s record of 10 title defenses. He will face Ray Borg, who was originally scheduled to fight Johnson at UFC 215 in September, but canceled a day before the event due to illness.
Demetrious Johnson previews his fight against Ray Borg at UFC 216 | UFC TONIGHT
Demetrious ‘Mighty Mouse’ Johnson joins UFC Tonight to talk UFC 216, potential match ups with Cody Garbrandt or TJ Dillashaw. SUBSCRIBE for more from UFC ON FOX: https://www.youtube.com/ufconfox?sub_confirmation=1 Watch the latest content UFC on FOX content: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoGCJSexpGtxqzzEOyuHNvOrD_EqYSA6- Watch the latest from UFC Tonight: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoGCJSexpGtzVBqzn-0GTQs4IkmtCCRk9 TUF Talk: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoGCJSexpGtyiz8qVCn7c6HBzQilhtpRL FOX Sports YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/foxsports The Ultimate Fighter’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheUltimateFighterFX About UFC ON FOX: The official FOX Sports home of UFC coverage.
Many have muted the brilliance of Mighty Mouse due to his lack of being a major pay-per-view draw. The fact that he is the co-main on the verge of breaking a record is a testament to his woes with the UFC, and a lack of competition in the lightest ranks has also diluted his earth-shattering accomplishments.
In the wake of the carnage inflicted on Las Vegas in Sunday’s shooting incident and the UFC’s pledge of $1 million dollars to the victims, the fight at T-Mobile Arena should heal multiple wounds and possibly create new records in the process.
