UFC 244: Kevin Lee knocks out Gregor Gillespie with vicious head kick in first round

Kevin Lee made a statement on his return to the lightweight division.

The “Motown Phenom” starched Gregor Gillespie with a first-round head kick that brought Madison Square Garden to its feet and kicked off the UFC 244 main card in style.

The 27-year-old Lee (18-5) got himself back in the win column after a loss to Al Iaquinta and an unsuccessful foray into the welterweight division, where Rafael dos Anjos tapped him out in May.

He also handed Gillespie (13-1) his first professional defeat.

Gillespie was rocked with a right hand and then was sent into the fence with the left leg kick, as referee Dan Miragliotta rushed over to waive it off at 2:47 of the first round.