Former UFC star Kevin Lee is set to make his debut in the Professional Fighters League (PFL). He does not receive a warm welcome.
The former UFC star is scheduled to meet Kazilla Rabadanov in the semi-finals of the 2025 PFL Lightweight Tournament. The promotion was announced on May 28th. Lee replaces the injured Jay Jay Wilson, who Rabadanov has already beaten.
Lee (20-8) joined MMA Limelight in 2014, when he signed with the UFC. He lost to Al Iaquinta in his first fight at the Octagon, but went 9-1 to set up a 9-1 interim lightweight title fight against Tony Ferguson in 10 matches. Lee got off to a strong start in his battle with Ferguson, but eventually fell apart and became part of the famous 12-game victory of the lightweight legend.
Lee was hot and cold after only missing UFC title bids. He went 2-3 in the next five fights at Lightweight, prompting him to move into the welterweight division. He lost his first fight in weight class and suffered a defeat in the decision to Daniel Rodriguez. Lee then split up briefly with the UFC.
After beating Diego Sanchez under the Eagle FC banner, he returned to the Octagon. In his first fight back, he was submitted to Rinat Fakhretdinov within a minute. Lee then left the promotion again and won his place in the PFL after submitting Thiago Oliveira in the regional scene in the first round. The promotion announced its signature last week, but did not announce his debut opponent.
