It didn’t take long for former UFC lightweight contender (and later welterweight) Kevin Lee to find a new home.
On Wednesday, MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani was first to report that Lee (18-7) had signed a multi-fight deal with Khabib Nuramgomedov’s Eagle FC. The move comes roughly two weeks after news broke that Lee had been released by the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Eagle FC, formerly known as Gorilla Fighting Championship, was purchased by Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2020, and immediately re-branded. The promotion announced Lee’s signing in a press conference in Miami, FL on Wednesday, with Lee on hand.
During Wednesday’s press appearance, a March 11 debut date was set for Lee. His opponent has yet to be named, but the fight is expected to take place at 165lbs. Eagle FC featuring fights at 165lbs was “a big part” of Lee’s decision to sign with the company, he stated.
Eagle FC makes its U.S. debut this January, with Eagle FC 44 headlined by heavyweights Tyrone Spong and Sergei Kharitonov. The organization has plans to hold up to 10 events in the U.S. in 2022, starting with the Miami card on January 28.
Lee last competed against Daniel Rodriguez at UFC Vegas 35 in August, losing a unanimous decision. Following the fight, it was revealed that the “Motown Phenom” had tested positive for ADHD drug adderall. That resulted in a six month suspension from USADA, with his return to competition date being February 28, 2022.
