Kevin Lee Returns, Fights Unranked Russian UFC Boogeyman

Kevin Lee will fight Rinat Fakhretdinov at UFC Las Vegas on July 1, per John Morgan on Twitter.

Kevin Lee (@MoTownPhenom) has booked his #UFC return, per sources, and will face Rinat Fakhretdinov on July 1 in Las Vegas. pic.twitter.com/OIMta1Md3a
— John Morgan (@JohnMorgan_MMA) May 18, 2023

Fakhretdinov (20-1, 2-0 UFC) has made a name for himself with flawless victories over Andreas Michailidis and Bryan Battle. The Russian fighter is very well-rounded, mixing good striking with his immense wrestling pressure.

The last time "The Motown Phenom" fought in the UFC was against Daniel Rodriguez at UFC on ESPN 30 in August 2021. Since then, Lee defeated Diego Sanchez in Khabib Nurmagomedov's MMA promotion "Eagle Fight Club" (EFC), and hasn't had a scheduled bout up until now.

Rinat Fakhretdinov All But Confirms Kevin Lee Matchup

In a post from his Instagram page on May 18, Fakhretdinov confirms plans to face Lee on July 1:

"And here comes the loud confrontation. I'M HUNGRY. I'M VERY HUNGRY."

Kevin Lee Hints at Move to Bare Knuckle Boxing

Despite the announced matchup, Lee has hinted at a move to bareknuckle boxing as lately as April 30:

"Bare knuckle is coming up, got me thinking," Lee pondered on his Twitter.

Bare knuckle is coming up , got me thinking 🤔🤔🤔
— Kevin Lee MTP (@MoTownPhenom) April 30, 2023

The "Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship" (BKFC) have played host to a roster of ex-UFC fighters, such as Mike Perry, Luke Rockhold, Chad Mendes, Eddie Alvarez, and Ben Rothwell. It's likely that they'd pick up Lee if given the opportunity.

In light of this, it's a difficult choice for Lee who was known as a wrestler and not recognized for his striking. The UFC would undoubtedly be the fan-pleasing choice, but the opponent in mind is one gargantuan labor.

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