Following his retirement, Khabib has been focusing on coaching and developing newly acquired promotion Eagles FC.
To add value to his promotion, Khabib has been trying to attract some big names. And looks like he’s finally caught a break. Just last week UFC released one time UFC lightweight contender Kevin Lee following a 6 month suspension for doping with Adderall – ADHD prescribed medication.
Kevin Lee is close to finding a new home in MMA after being released by the UFC. After an intiial setback when Bellator president Scott Coker declared they weren’t interested – Khabib Nurmagomedov revealed that Eagle FC is close to signing Kevin Lee but nothing has been finalized yet.
“Anything is possible “we are open to everything. “Said Khabib. “In two days, when we will be holding another press conference, we will be ready to announce the signing of Kevin Lee. We are close to finalizing the deal but nothing is official yet. Why not? These guys have built themselves throughout their careers. They have 10 fights in the UFC, are former champions of the UFC,”
Khabib Nurmagomedov said at FITROO press conference today that EFC is close to signing Kevin Lee and is "open for everything" including signing Tony Ferguson and Cody Garbrandt ? pic.twitter.com/EWfDMh1tCG
— RT Sport (@RTSportNews) December 13, 2021
After the release, many were eager to know about what’s next for Lee. He had been in talks with Bellator and PFL to find some work. Lee is still confident to get his lost instinct back when he joins the new promotion. He is just 29 years old and has a lot of potential still.
Just a little while ago it was revealed that Eagle FC has finalized their agreement with Lee.
Kevin Lee has signed a multi-fight deal with Eagle FC, sources say. Debut date and opponent still TBD.
EFC is the promotion founded by Khabib Nurmagomedov that is planning to hold as many 10 events in America in 2022.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 15, 2021
Nurmagomedov and Lee were close to facing each other in the octagon in the past. At that time Khabib was the lightweight champion. Kevin Lee became the interim title challenger against Tony Ferguson. But he lost his opportunity to win after Ferguson trapped him in a modified triangle and tapped him for the win. Upto that point he was doing pretty good in the fight.
This move is likely a step in the right direction to facilitate EFC growth and breaking out into the US market. EFC is making progress gradually as they will have their first US show in January.
In the past Nurmagomedov has said Kevin Lee “had a small heart”:
“He wants to be tough but he has very small heart,” said Nurmagomedov (transcript courtesy of MMA Fighting). “Very small heart. When he fought with Tony Ferguson, between second and third round, you guys can watch his face and understand everything. Face never lie. His eyes – when Tony Ferguson talks about, ‘This is my night!’ his face agrees with this.”
Kevin Lee has signed a multi-fight deal with Eagle FC, sources say. Debut date and opponent still TBD.
EFC is the promotion founded by Khabib Nurmagomedov that is planning to hold as many 10 events in America in 2022.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 15, 2021
Since 2014, Benny A. King has been fully immersed in the world of combat sports. Starting with a blog about Greco Roman wrestling, Benny’s passion for combat sports has led him to explore various disciplines.