The UFC’s return to Montreal for UFC 315 on May 10 brings a compelling featherweight matchup to the Bell Centre: South Korea’s Jeong Yeong Lee faces Canada’s own Gavin Tucker in a bout that could shape the futures of both men in the division. With both fighters coming off setbacks and eager to reestablish themselves, this contest is more than just a homecoming for Tucker—it’s a pivotal crossroads for two skilled but streaky competitors.
🚨 #TeamIridium News 🚨
Our man Jeong Yeong Lee is dialed in to earn his 3rd @ufc victory vs. Gavin Tucker at #UFC315 📝 #TheDarkside pic.twitter.com/ifZFmzczMG
— IridiumSportsAgency (@TeamIridiumISA) April 18, 2025
Jeong Yeong Lee: The Korean Tiger’s Ascent
Jeong Yeong Lee, known as “The Korean Tiger,” enters UFC 315 with a professional record of 11-2 and a reputation as one of Asia’s most promising featherweights. Lee’s journey began in South Korea, where he made history as the youngest Road FC featherweight champion. He later stormed through the Road to UFC tournament, earning his UFC contract with a blend of speed, power, and submission prowess.
Lee’s UFC tenure has started with promise: he captured a split decision win over Yi Zha to claim the Road to UFC Asia featherweight title, then followed up with a unanimous decision victory against Blake Bilder. His finishing ability stands out, Lee boasts four knockout wins, three by submission (all armbars), and five first-round finishes, including knockouts as quick as 10 seconds. His aggressive style, sharp right hand, and black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu make him a threat wherever the fight goes.
Jeong Yeong Lee 🇰🇷 huge knockout
October 23 2022 in Abu Dhabi 🇦🇪 #RoadToUFC semifinal #vegas85 #UFC #UFCVegas85
pic.twitter.com/pBAGh85VUy— underdog para siempre (@Perrito06046799) February 3, 2024
However, Lee is coming off the first knockout loss of his career, having been stopped by Hyder Amil in just over a minute in July 2024. This bout with Tucker is a crucial test of his resilience and ability to bounce back on a big stage.
Gavin Tucker: The Guv’Nor’s Last Stand?
For Gavin Tucker, UFC 315 represents both a homecoming and a potential last stand in the Octagon. The 38-year-old Canadian (13-3) has endured a stop-start UFC career since his debut in 2017, hampered by injuries and long layoffs. Despite these setbacks, Tucker has shown flashes of elite talent, with four knockouts, six submissions, and a reputation for slick footwork and technical grappling.
‘Gavin Tucker Must Win’@GavinTucker6 adds another W for the home country 🇨🇦 #UFC240 pic.twitter.com/V5ijMymP3C
— UFC (@ufc) July 28, 2019
Tucker’s UFC resume includes impressive wins over Sam Sicilia, Seung Woo Choi, and Billy Quarantillo, with his rear-naked choke of Choi and decision over Quarantillo highlighting his well-rounded game. However, he enters this fight on a two-fight skid, having suffered a 22-second knockout loss to Dan Ige and a first-round armbar defeat to Diego Lopes in his last appearance in August 2023. At 38 and with this believed to be the final fight on his contract, Tucker is in must-win territory.
Known for his black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Renzo Gracie and his cerebral approach to fighting, Tucker will look to leverage his experience and home crowd advantage to halt Lee’s momentum and revive his own career.
The Matchup: Experience vs. Youthful Aggression
This featherweight showdown is a classic case of experience versus youthful aggression. Lee brings explosive athleticism, finishing instincts, and a hunger to climb the UFC ranks, while Tucker relies on veteran savvy, technical grappling, and the support of a Canadian crowd. Both men have shown vulnerabilities, Lee’s recent knockout loss and Tucker’s struggles with durability, but also possess the tools to capitalize on each other’s mistakes.
With both fighters at a crossroads, expect fireworks as they battle for relevance in a stacked featherweight division. For Lee, a win could propel him toward ranked opponents; for Tucker, victory might mean one last run in the UFC spotlight.
As Montreal welcomes the UFC back after a decade, the stakes for Jeong Yeong Lee and Gavin Tucker couldn’t be higher.
