Kevin Lee vs Diego Sanchez: A mismatch for Kevin Lee

On March 12, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s second “American” Eagle FC league tournament will take place in Miami, USA. Former UFC stars Kevin Lee and Diego Sanchez will meet in the main event of the evening.

At the pre-fight weigh-in, Kevin Lee weighed in at 75.21kg, while Diego Sanchez weighed in at 74.03kg.

Kevin Lee is not a distant past UFC star and one of the best fighters in the world (2014 to 2017) in the welterweight division.

But Tony Ferguson ruined it for him. After El Cucuy smothered Kevin Lee, his entire career went downhill - seven fights and only two wins. In his last fight, last August, Lee lost by unanimous decision to Daniel Rodriguez (15-2).

I’m not mad at the UFC. My exit happened at the right time. They taught me a lot. They do a great job of promoting fighters, but it sucks to be famous without being rich. When I talk to young fighters, I say the UFC is no longer the leader. If you want to provide for yourself and your family, you should consider other options. At Eagle FC, my conditions are twice as good as they were in the UFC. It’s awesome.

Kevin Lee

Diego Sanchez has about the same situation as his opponent. He’s been in the spotlight in the UFC, and he’s had some serious problems there lately. But it’s even harder for him - Diego is in his 40s, and his technique (he’s a top-class puncher) needs speed and timing. It’s all gone somewhere.

The opponent in front of me is very strong. He’s 29 and I’m 40 years old. I’m an outsider. That’s why I say it’s a huge challenge for me. I’m here to once again assert myself, showcase my skills, and show the world why Diego Sanchez is a legend.

Diego Sanchez

In his last fight, back in the fall of 2020, he lost by decision to Jack Matthews (16-5).

I think Lee will win because he’s younger. I’ll give the advantage to him. But Sanchez is a spirited guy, even though he’s on the decline. To me, Kevin has a problem with his fighting psychology. If he can’t finish his opponents, it’s as if he gives up.

Raimond Magomedaliev

This is the only opinion I could find that says Diego Sanchez has any chance at all. All other experts frankly consider this fight a mismatch.

And bookmakers’ betting lines say the same. So, the odds on Kevin Lee’s win is 1.11, while on Diego Sanchez’s win it is already 6.80. And the closer the date of the fight, the gap between the odds only increases.