Nashville, Tennessee’s Kyle Lee will rematch Najee Blackwell for the middleweight title at Johnathan Ivey’s Cage Fighting Championships 2 on Aug. 19 in Murfreesboro. The two first fought back in March in a back-and-forth battle that saw Kyle get the unanimous decision. The fight was so good in fact, this time it will be for the promotion’s inaugural middleweight championship. Pro MMA Now caught up with Kyle to get his thoughts on the rematch and find out more about his MMA journey.
Thanks for talking with us, Kyle. How are preparations going for your upcoming fight?
My preparation is going great!
Everyone said it was “Fight of the Night” when you and Najee Blackwell first fought and you got the judges’ decision. This time it’s for the title. Do you think things will play out differently this time?
I had absolutely no training to speak of for the last fight. I have trained long and hard for this fight. I don’t see me not finishing this fight.
What was your assessment of Najee after the first fight, was he one of your tougher challenges?
Najee yes he is a tough opponent.
What would it mean to you to win Johnathan Ivey’s Cage Fighting Championships middleweight title and to become the first champion within the promotion?
To even fight in the main event for Ivey is incredible, if or when I get that belt it will be one of the biggest honors of my life!
Any extra nerves about being the main event?
No extra nerves for the fight! It’s my time!
Where are you training for this fight and who is helping you prepare?
I’m training at Chris White’s Extreme Martial Arts. Chris himself is my striking coach and JR Perry is my grappling coach.
What got you into MMA?
My old coaches thought I’d be good at fighting so I started kickboxing, was good at it and evolved from there.
What are your goals in the sport?
Just kinda see we’re it goes.
What’s life like for you outside of fighting?
Life outside the ring I’m a father of four, and always trying to better myself! I teach at Title Boxing full time for work!
Thanks for your time, any final words for the fans?
To my fans! I have to say it’s such a honor to get in there and bang it out for you guys! I promise to put on a show! And thank you to all the fans that come out to support me!!
