Kevin Lee assesses state of UFC lightweight division: Khabib, Poirier-McGregor, more

A lot has happened in the UFC lightweight division during Kevin Lee’s absence from the fight game.

Lee has witnessed the division unfold as he’s been sitting on the sidelines, recovering from two ACL surgeries in 2020. Lee (18-6 MMA, 11-6 UFC) last fought in March 2020 at UFC Fight Night 170, the first UFC event held behind closed doors in response to the global coronavirus pandemic.

Since then, UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov abruptly retired from the sport; Conor McGregor had an unsuccessful return to MMA, losing a rematch against Dustin Poirier; and former Bellator champion Michael Chandler picked up a first-round knockout in his UFC debut.

Speaking with MMA Junkie, Lee, who hopes to return this summer against Tony Ferguson, weighed in and shared his thoughts on some of the biggest headlines at 155 pounds. You can get Lee’s thoughts on all things UFC lightweight division below.