The Background of Kevin Lee and Tony Ferguson
Before discussing the Kevin Lee vs Tony Ferguson matchup, it is important to understand the backgrounds of both fighters. Kevin Lee, also known as “The Motown Phenom,” is a UFC lightweight who has been fighting professionally since 2012. He has an impressive record of 18 wins and 6 losses, with notable victories over the likes of Edson Barboza and Michael Chiesa.
Tony Ferguson, on the other hand, is a UFC veteran who has been fighting professionally since 2008. He has a record of 25 wins and 5 losses, and has established himself as one of the top lightweights in the UFC. His notable victories include wins over Donald Cerrone, Anthony Pettis, and Rafael dos Anjos.
The First Meeting: UFC 216
The first time Kevin Lee and Tony Ferguson met in the octagon was at UFC 216, which took place on October 7, 2017. The fight was for the interim UFC lightweight championship, as the reigning champion Conor McGregor was on hiatus from the sport.
The fight was a back-and-forth battle, with both fighters having their moments. In the third round, however, Tony Ferguson was able to secure a triangle choke submission, forcing Kevin Lee to tap out and winning the interim championship.
The Rematch: UFC Fight Night 170
After their first meeting, Kevin Lee and Tony Ferguson went their separate ways for a while. Kevin Lee had a few more fights in the UFC, while Tony Ferguson had to deal with some personal issues outside of the octagon.
Finally, on March 14, 2020, the two fighters met again at UFC Fight Night 170. The fight was highly anticipated, as both fighters were looking to establish themselves as top contenders in the lightweight division.
Unfortunately, the fight did not live up to expectations. Tony Ferguson dominated the fight from start to finish, winning by TKO in the fifth round. Kevin Lee put up a valiant effort, but it was clear that Tony Ferguson was the better fighter on that night.
What’s Next for Kevin Lee and Tony Ferguson?
After their rematch, both Kevin Lee and Tony Ferguson have continued to fight in the UFC. Kevin Lee has had some mixed results, winning some fights and losing others. Tony Ferguson, on the other hand, suffered a couple of losses after his dominant win over Kevin Lee.
As of now, it is unclear if Kevin Lee and Tony Ferguson will ever meet in the octagon again. Both fighters still have a lot of fight left in them, and it is possible that they may cross paths in the future.
Conclusion
Kevin Lee vs Tony Ferguson is a matchup that has generated a lot of interest in the UFC community. Their first meeting at UFC 216 was a memorable one, with Tony Ferguson coming out on top. Their rematch at UFC Fight Night 170 was not as exciting, as Tony Ferguson dominated the fight from start to finish. Regardless, both fighters are still top contenders in the lightweight division, and it will be interesting to see what the future holds for them.