ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Kevin Lee has never had a “Fight of the Night” during his UFC career, but he’s looking to change that on Saturday at UFC on ESPN+ 10.
Lee (17-4 MMA, 10-4 UFC) had some entertaining contests and dominant displays inside the octagon, but never one that he felt has truly showed his character as a fighter. He hopes his welterweight main event with Rafael dos Anjos (28-11 MMA, 17-9 UFC) changes things, though, because the Brazilian is the first former UFC champ that Lee has encountered in his career.
Although the best-case scenario for most fighters would be a one-sided win that takes as little time as possible, Lee claims his perspective is different.
“I prefer a good fight,” Lee told reporters, including MMA Junkie, at UFC on ESPN+ 10 media day. “I think now, especially, I’m at the stage of my career where I’m still young in the game, I’m still only 26, I’m still growing. I still haven’t even hit my athletic peak yet, so I need these fights to grow even more. I’m going to be in this game for a long time so I’m looking at it as a marathon. So, going against someone like dos Anjos, I hope he gives me a good fight.”
UFC on ESPN+ 10 takes place at Blue Cross Arena. The entire card streams on ESPN+.
Lee, 26, will move up to welterweight for the first time in his career at UFC on ESPN+ 10, which marks his fifth consecutive main event. He said it’s a weight class where he could see himself staying for the long-term after many difficult cuts down to lightweight. But Lee also won’t fully know what he thinks until after he competes.
If his pre-fight feelings are any indication, though, Lee in a good place. He wants to put on a show with dos Anjos, who Lee hopes comes to the octagon prepared to fight at his highest level.
“I hope he doesn’t just lay down in 30 seconds,” Lee said. “I’m probably going to be a little disappointed. I haven’t yet given that barnburner of a fight to the fans that have kind of seen me grow up in the octagon. If he ain’t, lay down and I’m going to get paid either way. But I hope he ready for it.”
For more on UFC on ESPN+ 10, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.
