Kevin Lee issues statement on weigh-in miss, gives explanation for extra pounds

This morning’s UFC Atlantic City weigh ins did not go according to plan, as two undercard bouts were cancelled, and a one half of the main event, Kevin Lee, missed weight. Lee tipped the scales at 157 pounds, one pound about the 156-pound limit for non-title lightweight fights. “The Motown Phenom” will be fined 20% of his purse for this hiccup, which will go to his foe Edson Barboza.

Shortly after Lee stepped on the scale, he took to Instagram to issue a statement on the ordeal. In this statement, Lee reminded that he’s never missed weight as a pro—even despite a close shave in his last fight. He also gave an explanation for his failed weight cut, saying that he simply ran out of time.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhzAzcmnJpP/

“For the first time ever in my athletic career since high school I’ve missed weight this morning,” Lee said in his Instagram post. “I just ran outta time. I apologize [UFC, Dana White, Edson Barboza]. Tomorrow Imma go put on a show.”

This bout will mark Kevin Lee’s opportunity to rebound from a submission loss to Tony Ferguson, which occurred in an interim lightweight title fight back in October. Prior to this loss, Lee was on a nice, five-fight streak, highlighted by triumphs over top talents like Francisco Trinaldo and Michael Chiesa. Lee’s opponent Barboza, meanwhile, will seek to rebound from a lopsided loss to reigning UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. The winner of this fight figures to emerge as one of the top contenders in the Nurmagomedov-ruled division.

For a full rundown of the UFC Atlantic City weigh-ins, and Kevin Lee’s failed weight cut, click here.

Who are you picking in tomorrow night’s Kevin Lee vs. Edson Barboza main event?

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 4/20/2018.