Kevin Lee Exposes UFC Politics After Snubbing Trump

Fighter claims his political stance against the former president led to his UFC downfall

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:40pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a fractured, multi-perspective scene of two UFC fighters engaged in combat, their movements and energy captured through sharp, overlapping geometric planes.The complex interplay of politics and sports is exposed in the contrasting career trajectories of two UFC fighters.Spokane Today

Former UFC fighter Kevin Lee has revealed that his decision to align himself with progressive politician Bernie Sanders in 2019, rather than meet with then-President Donald Trump, played a major role in his subsequent decline within the promotion. Lee's career trajectory contrasts sharply with that of his rival Michael Chiesa, who received a grand retirement sendoff. The saga highlights the complex intersection of sports and politics, raising questions about whether athletes should suppress their personal beliefs for the sake of their careers.

Why it matters

This story sheds light on the influence of politics within the UFC and other major sports organizations, where business interests and political alliances can potentially impact a fighter's career trajectory. It invites discussion about the dilemma athletes face in balancing their personal beliefs with the expectations of their sport's governing bodies.

The details

After a knockout victory over Gregor Gillespie in 2019, Kevin Lee was offered a meeting with then-President Donald Trump. However, Lee chose to align himself with Bernie Sanders, a progressive politician. According to Lee, this decision 'sealed his fate' in the UFC, leading to a less glamorous exit from the promotion compared to his rival Michael Chiesa, who received a grand retirement sendoff in his hometown.

  • In 2019, Lee was offered a meeting with then-President Donald Trump after a knockout victory.
  • Lee chose to align himself with Bernie Sanders, a progressive politician, instead of meeting with Trump.

The players

Kevin Lee

A former UFC fighter who claims his political stance against former President Donald Trump led to his decline within the promotion.

Michael Chiesa

A UFC fighter who received a grand retirement sendoff, contrasting with Lee's less glamorous exit from the promotion.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who offered to meet with Lee after his 2019 knockout victory.

Bernie Sanders

A progressive politician whom Lee chose to align himself with instead of meeting with Trump.

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What they’re saying

“I was dead in the water after that [meeting with Trump] didn't happen.”

— Kevin Lee, Former UFC Fighter

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex relationship between sports, politics, and business interests. It raises questions about whether athletes should suppress their personal beliefs for the sake of their careers, and the extent to which political allegiances can impact a fighter's journey within the UFC and other major sports organizations.