Macksom Lee eyes LFA 237 knockout to earn second Contender Series shot

Macksom Lee wants to show UFC matchmakers what they missed when he faces Carlos Tardio in the main event of LFA 237 on July 24 in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Lee dropped his first fight in 10 bouts last September on Dana White's Contender Series against Hecher Sosa, but the Sanda champion says a torn shoulder ligament prevented him from performing at full capacity.

According to an interview with Sherdog.com, Lee suffered the injury just 15 days before the bout and could barely move his arm for four days leading up to the fight. "I didn't say anything so I wouldn't sound like I was making excuses, but the truth is that I basically just survived that fight," he told the outlet. Lee went on despite the setback because he refused to pass up a chance at a UFC contract, but now believes his defensive wrestling — one of his best skills — will shine through without physical limitations.

Coach Facada confident Lee will deliver knockout

Lee has relocated to the United States to train under Roberto "Facada" Neves, a former Vale Tudo fighter who competed alongside Lee's late father, Markine Santos, on Brazil's national Sanda team. "The best choice I made was to come to the USA to do a camp coordinated by master Roberto Facada Neves," Lee said, per Sherdog. "It's the first time I've done a camp totally focused on me with sparring emulating my opponent's style."

Facada took Lee under his wing after Markine died from a lightning strike on a beach in Paraná when Lee was 17. The coach told Sherdog he views Lee as a son and is convinced the 12-2 Tardio will not survive the opening round. Lee shares that confidence, stating he plans to stop the Bolivian early if everything unfolds as expected.

The bout airs July 24 from Wisconsin with Lee hoping a dominant performance will secure him a second look from UFC brass.

Photo: Dana White's Conter Series / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

Original reporting:

• sherdog.com — After Contender Series setback, Macksom Lee hopes to make statement at LFA 237