Veteran mixed martial artist Kevin Lee recently made his debut under the PFL banner, stepping into the SmartCage as a late addition to the 2025 lightweight tournament picture. However, his introductory bout against the formidable Gadzhi Rabadanov proved to be a short and brutal affair, ending in a first-round knockout loss.
Beyond the disappointment of the defeat, Lee revealed a significant physical consequence of the fight: a broken jaw. This injury necessitated the difficult process of having his jaw wired shut as part of the recovery protocol.
While professional fighters are no strangers to physical ailments, Lee’s description of this particular injury stands out. Known for navigating through a lengthy career marked by numerous surgeries and various bodily breakdowns, one might assume he has a high tolerance for pain and a broad frame of reference for judging injury severity. Yet, according to Lee himself, this broken jaw is the undisputed champion of career-ending physical discomfort.
Reflecting on a history that includes multiple knee surgeries (specifically, three procedures to repair his ACL), broken fingers and toes, foot fractures, twisted ankles, shin splints, hamstring tears, hip and groin issues, and even an ulcer, Lee didn`t mince words. Despite this rather extensive and frankly, quite alarming, list of past torments, he unequivocally labels the broken jaw and the subsequent period with his jaw immobilized as “the worst of the worst.” He suggests there isn`t even a distant second place competitor in the hierarchy of his personal physical suffering.
The 24/7 nature of having one`s jaw wired shut presents unique challenges, transforming basic functions like eating and speaking into significant hurdles. Lee`s candid remarks underscore the profound and pervasive discomfort associated with such an injury, making it far more disruptive than many acute but perhaps less constantly debilitating issues he has faced.
Lee`s return to fighting followed a brief period of retirement, initially securing a regional victory before signing with the PFL. The loss to Rabadanov, who is currently on an impressive knockout streak in the lightweight division, was a tough re-entry into high-level competition. Following the bout, Lee expressed uncertainty about his future in the sport, citing a perceived inability to absorb strikes as he once could.
Now, compounding the questions surrounding his fighting future is the reality of a grueling recovery from what he considers the most challenging physical setback of his career. The path back to competition, should he choose to pursue it, will undoubtedly be tested by this severe injury and the recovery it demands.
