Kevin Lee returned to the lightweight division in a big way at UFC 244 with a first-round head kick KO over the undefeated Gregor Gillespie.
Kevin Lee was once one of the top rising lightweights in the UFC, winning nine of 10 fights after falling to Al Iaquinta in his debut. Since then, he’s lost three of four, and unsuccessfully moved up to welterweight against Rafael dos Anjos in his last appearance. Lee fought for the interim title in 2017, losing to Tony Ferguson after knocking him down in the first round.
Gregor Gillespie is a Long Island native who is incredibly skilled in the wrestling department. He is undefeated at 11-0 and is 6-0 in the Octagon. After winning in his debut against former PFL contender Glaico Franca by decision, Gillespie finished his next five opponents. Gillespie loves to brawl on the feet, and is coming off a second-round buzzer-beating TKO against Yancy Medeiros in his last appearance back in January.
Lee caught Gillespie with a left hand early then was caught with a right. Both men were firing straight shots early on. Gillespie started mixing in hooks and uppercuts. The jabs continued to fire from both fighters, with Lee connecting very cleanly several times. Lee fired a head kick and missed, and the exchanges continued. Another head kick was thrown and this time it landed. Gillespie went clean out and Lee came away with the upset victory.
It was the first loss in the career of Gillespie and a big return to contendership for Kevin Lee.
Kevin Lee def. Gregor Gillespie by KO (Head Kick) in Round 1 (2:47)
