Jon Jones, Anderson Silva, Jose Aldo, GSP: If you’re an MMA fan, then you know these names. But did you know them before they were stars, have you ever heard of them? I’m sure some of you have as have I, then there are the huge hand full of fans that only know fighters as they come up the rankings.
With the talent pool expanding everyday, new stars are emerging out of the deep. We had the privilege to chat with one of those stars yesterday on the MMAFreak Live podcast.
Kevin Lee (10-0 amature record, 4-0 Pro) is 20 years old, born and raised in Detroit and is a star on the rise. He is 5 foot 9 inches tall with a 77 inch reach advantage. If that doesn’t resonate in your mind at 155 pounds, then I don’t know what will.
Not only is he an evolving fighter with a great wrestling background and dangerous striking, but he is one of the most humblest guys I have ever talked to. When I think of humble fighters that are dangerous at the same time, I think of guys like Anderson Silva, Jose Aldo, GSP, Jon Jones, etc. And now we might have just met the next one to rise out of the ashes.
Guys like Alistair Overeem, Josh Koscheck and others, love to talk a big game, but when you leave the humbleness at the door, you usually end up sleeping on the mat. You have to be an awesome fighter if you ever expect to make it to the big time, but you also need to respect how you got there and never lose your loyalty. Lee is one of those guys that has the total package, and at a young age, that’s a scary combo.
Lee is an unsigned fighter with an immense amount of talent ready to display on the biggest stages. He told us a deal from a top organization could be in the works as we know it.
“I have some prospects from some big organizations looking at me, but nothing signed as of right now. I have something on the horizon that I’m looking forward to.”
Lee is not only a top prospect in many people’s eyes, but he is also a true fight fan. He also has his own idea on who the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world is and it’s nothing to laugh at.
“Jose Aldo, hands down” Lee told us on MMAFreak Live. “The only one I think that can test him is GSP, in terms of skill.”
Kevin Lee is a very smart guy in the MMA world and is always looking to test himself inside the cage. He wants tough fights that will help push him further in his career. If he was older his dream would have been to test himself against B.J. Penn, and if ever goes to the UFC, he already has some fighter(s) that he admires that he would love to test his skills against.
“I have always been a huge fan of Donald Cerrone and he is always in a fun fight and that would be a good match-up for me.” Lee told us. “Another fight I would like is with Joe Lauzon. Those are two real fighters at 155. I love Donald Cerrone and I think it would be a real fun fight, he is no joke.”
Cerrone vs Lee would be a spectacle for true MMA fans all over the world. Cerrone has had some tough times here and there and it always seems like he takes himself out of the game mentally.
“I think mentally is the only real way to beat him, when he beats himself.” Lee told us. “He did it in the Diaz fight. I think he could have won that fight.”
MMA fighters who are always willing to test themselves are the most scary fighters out there. Don’t get me wrong, if you don’t match up well with someone or if they are too skilled, then don’t jump into the ocean with a cut on your knee cause you’ll get eaten alive.
But if you’re bleeding and jump into the shark infested waters on purpose with a game plan to battle with the sharks, then my hats off to you. Never attempt anything you know you can’t do, but if you have a small voice inside you giving you that 1 percent of hope, then embrace it and ride it to the end.
Kevin Lee is one of those fighters. He is ready for a true challenge and wants to test himself in every situation. Whether it’s from school, to MMA or in the virtual world of video games, Lee is always ready physically and mentally. If you don’t know the name now, you will in the future.
We want to thank Kevin for being our Special Guest yesterday and wish him all the best. You can bet we will have him on again whether it’s to talk about his up and coming fights or if it’s just to chat. Be sure to follow him on twitter @FirstNameKevin