UFC: Kevin Lee targets Tony Ferguson rematch in summer after recovering from double knee surgery

UFC lightweight contender Kevin Lee (18-6) is back in training after undergoing double knee surgery, and he’s already plotting his return to the Octagon.

Lee’s knee injuries have kept him out of action since a March 2020 submission loss to Charles Oliveira (30-8, one no contest). While he never intended to spend so much time on the sidelines, he said the unplanned lay-off has helped him refocus.

“My issues with the sport have always been mental,” the 28-year-old American told SCMP MMA from Las Vegas. “Physically, I can keep up with anybody in the world, but in some of my fights there’ll be mental gaps.

“By having to take a step back and only focus on the mental side, I think it’s going to pay dividends. It’s going to be big.”

With his surgeries behind him and his focus reinvigorated, Lee is keen to get back into the Octagon soon.

“We’re kind of teetering back and forth on whether it’s June or July, but I think this summer sounds good,” he said. “The UFC always puts on a big event around July 4, so that first week of July might work out perfectly. If not, maybe June and I can [headline] my own card. It all depends on who the opponent is.”

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Ranked No 12 at lightweight, Lee has no shortage of options in terms of opponents. In a perfect world, though, he would like to run it back with Tony Ferguson (26-5).

The pair met in an interim lightweight title fight in late 2017, with Ferguson winning by submission. Now “El Cucuy” is also riding a loss to Oliveira, and the “Motown Phenom” feels the timing is perfect for a do-over.

“Us running it back makes a whole lot of sense from all standpoints, especially when you look at where this division is and where it’s going,” Lee said.

“One of us is going to stay and one of us is going to leave. Tony Ferguson’s top of the list – I don’t even have a close second to be honest with you.”