At UFC 169 Kevin “The Motown Phenom” Lee stepped into the octagon with a 7-0 record against “Raging Al” Iaquinta 7-2-1 at the time and suffered his first career loss by unanimous decision.  Since then Lee has strung together two impressive win streaks, proving victorious in 9 out of 11 contests while solidifying himself as a top contender in the lightweight division.

When the 25 year old steps into the octagon tonight against the #5 ranked lightweight in the world in Atlantic City with Edson Barboza it will no doubt be a pivotal contest for both men never losing twice in a row in the octagon.

Barboza looks to come back stronger to avenge a one sided loss by the hands of Khabib Nurmagomedov at the end of last year final PPV at UFC 219.  With notable wins over Beneil Dariush (flying knee KO), former champ Anthony Pettis(UD) and Gilbert Melendez(UD), Barboza has proven to be one of the lightweight divisions top contenders.  In addition to his impressive resume, Edson also brings highlight reel action in every fight. This scrap has (on paper) has a potential fight of the night feel to it.

“I feel like I’m gonna fight a better version of Edson Barboza. He’s never lost two in a row, and every fight that he lost, when he comes back he’s always stronger and always better, and I’m expecting that. But I’m gonna beat Edson worse than Khabib” Lee said in an interview with Thomas Gerbasi with UFC.com.

The stage is set, the fighters and fans are ready for an all out battle for that infamous top 5 spot.  Will Barboza come through with another highlight reel KO? Or will Lee be victorious and move in closer to a title shot?