Khabib Nurmagomedov’s MMA promotion Eagle FC has been making some big moves in the North American market recently, and it looks like there are more announcements to come.
A bombshell dropped on the MMA community this week when former UFC lightweight Kevin Lee signed with Eagle FC. There was considerable tension between Lee and “The Eagle” during UFC competition, so for some, the news came as a bit of a surprise. Lee lost two consecutive bouts in the UFC before getting his pink slip.
First, Lee was tasked with facing Charles Oliveira and was submitted in the third round back in March 2020. Then, in an effort to ply his trade in another weight class, Lee moved up to 170-pounds but was handily defeated by Daniel Rodriguez.
Eagle FC Details
Eagle FC will have a total of eight weight classes: 135lbs, 145lbs, 155lbs, 165lbs, 175lbs, 185lbs, 205lbs, and heavyweight. Interestingly, the 165-pound weight class was an instrumental detail for Kevin Lee when deciding to sign with Nurmagomedov’s promotion.
Play-by-play for the events will be covered by Cyrus Fees who took part in the ring announcing duties for the Dana White Contender Series. In addition to Fees, former UFC double champion Henry Cejudo and Canada’s Felicia Spencer will also take part on the broadcast team.
Following Kevin Lee inking a contract with Eagle FC, the former UFC interim title challenger spoke on the bold career transition and the company’s imminent plans for 2022.
“That was a big part of this decision. Kevin Lee told MMA Fighting. I’m really grateful that Eagle FC is willing to do a 165-pound division. I think it’s going to benefit a lot of guys and I’m the best one in the world at that weight. I’ve said that for a long time and it’s a big part of the reason why I’m coming over.
“I’ll be the first 165-pound world champion. There’s been world champions at [155 pounds] and there’s been world champions at 170. Lee said. I’ll be the first one and it feels nice to make a little piece of history for mixed martial arts.”
As it stands, when asked about women’s divisions, Khabib Nurmagomedov would not give a definitive answer. Though, the lightweight legend didn’t rule it out in the future. According to Nurmagomedov, the existence of a men’s 125-pound division and the women’s divisions will be present if the talent meets the demand.
Currently, Eagle FC is targeting ten shows for 2022. The first event held by Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Eagle FC will take place on Jan. 28. As of this writing, all shows will take place inside the FLX Arena, which was designed specifically for Eagle FC.
What do you make Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Eagle FC?
