Veteran mixed martial artist Kevin Lee has faced numerous surgeries and endured many grueling injuries throughout his career, but he states that none compare to the broken jaw he sustained during his PFL debut against Gadzhi Rabadanov.
Competing as a late replacement in the PFL`s 2025 tournament, the lightweight fighter`s return was cut short. Rabadanov overwhelmed him with strikes in the first round, leading to a knockout defeat where Lee was left face down on the canvas. Following the bout, Lee confirmed that the significant damage he took resulted in a broken jaw.
To facilitate healing, Lee`s jaw had to be wired shut. He openly admits that this experience is unequivocally the worst injury he has ever suffered.
“Listen, I`ve had all types of injuries before,” Lee commented on Instagram. “I`ve broken most of my fingers, my toes, broken bones in my foot. Twisted my ankle. Shin splints. Three knee surgeries — three ACL surgeries. Messed up my meniscus, my MCL, grade three tear in my hamstring. My hip. Tore my groin before. Had an ulcer before. My shoulders, I could keep going on.
“This kind of goes without saying, but do not break your jaw. Do not get your jaw wired. This is the worst of the worst. There`s not even a close second. 24/7, it sucks. It f*cking sucks. There’s no two ways around it.”
Lee had recently emerged from retirement with the stated goal of potentially returning to the UFC. Prior to signing with the PFL on a multi-fight deal, he secured a victory on the regional fighting circuit.
Unfortunately, his highly anticipated PFL debut did not go as planned, ending quickly via Rabadanov`s first-round knockout. Rabadanov, the reigning 2024 lightweight champion, continues a dominant streak in the 155-pound division. This win marked his fourth consecutive knockout victory, adding to recent finishes over notable fighters like former Bellator champion Brent Primus and UFC veteran Marc Diakiese.
In the wake of the loss, Lee reflected on his ability to absorb strikes, stating he “can’t absorb shots anymore,” and indicated that he remains undecided about competing again in the future.
Oliver Croft