Dana White: Everybody is going to be talking about Kevin Lee after UFC 244

NEW YORK – Dana White was high on Kevin Lee’s performance at UFC 244.

Lee (18-5 MMA, 11-5 UFC) scored a spectacular head kick knockout over Gregor Gillespie on Saturday to snap a two-fight skid and hand Gillespie the first loss of his career.

White said Lee did exactly what he needed to do and rose to the occasion at Madison Square Garden, where many big figures were in attendance.

“So tonight, the president of the United States was here, The Rock, a lot of other people,” White said at the UFC 244 post-fight news conference. “The place is sold out, breaking records as far as ESPN goes, breaking records internationally – the list goes on and on. And when you’re on a platform like you’re on tonight and people that are watching are watching tonight, you want to be Kevin Lee and go out and do what Kevin Lee did.”

The knockout earned Lee a “Performance of the Night” bonus and he made good on his return to lightweight. The former 155-pound interim title challenger took on a tough and risky matchup in Gillespie, but now finds himself back in lightweight contention.

“I’m talking about Kevin Lee, you’re all going to be talking about Kevin Lee, and everybody who watched tonight is going to be talking about Kevin Lee,” White said. “So Kevin couldn’t have had (a better night). And he won money tonight – he’s won (a) $50,000 (bonus). It’s good to be Kevin Lee tonight.”