Former title challenger ready to fight on Dana White's Contender Series to get back in UFC, Jon Anik reacts
A former UFC fighter recently expressed his desire to get back in the UFC by competing in Dana White's Contender Series. This sparked a reaction from UFC commentator Jon Anik, who praised the individual for his determination in trying to get back into the promotion.
The fighter in question is Kevin Lee, who previously fought Tony Ferguson for the interim lightweight title at UFC 216, losing the title fight via third-round submission.
In his last octagon appearance at UFC Vegas 76 last year, Lee squared off against Rinat Fakhretdinov, only to lose via submission in 55 seconds going into the fight. Following the loss, 'The Motown Phenom' was released from the promotion.
During a recent appearance on The Anik and Florian Podcast, Lee asserted that he misses MMA and expressed interest in competing in the Contender Series to obtain his ticket back to the UFC:
''My real love is MMA. I want to compete again and just to show how serious I am. I even told Sean Shelby that I’m willing to go on Dana White’s Contender Series to show how serious I am about competing on a high level. This next fight will be not about money or anything else, but to show that I can compete and my body can hold up against the tension I’m putting it under.''
This took Anik by surprise, who then applauded the American fighter on his tenacity:
''That is incredible to think that a former world title challenger would compete on Dana White's Contender Series, it would be great I think at some part.''
Check out Jon Anik's response to Kevin Lee below:
Lee is 11-8 in the promotion, with major victories over Edson Barboza, Michael Chiesa, and others.
When Kevin Lee expressed interest in Tony Ferguson rematch for his UFC return
Following his loss to Rinat Fakhretdinov at UFC Vegas 76, Kevin Lee retired from MMA. However, earlier this year, in February, Lee took to X and announced his return to the sport.
In an interview with MiddleEasy, Lee, who fought Tony Ferguson for the interim lightweight title, named him among the potential opponents for his octagon comeback, saying:
''There’s a couple great fights [for a comeback]. Tony Ferguson, maybe the winner or loser of Conor [McGregor] or [Michael] Chandler. I’m honestly not focused too much on opponents right now. I think I have a long road ahead of me as far as getting healthy [goes]. Two getting into shape, and three, singing a contract. Then maybe we can look at location, and then talk about opponents.''
Check out Kevin Lee's comments below (8:49):