MMA Fighter-Turned-TikTok Sensation, Keith Lee, Amasses 9 Million Followers & Becomes Savior of Local Food Joints

Many MMA fighters tend to have some kind of side business along with their sports career for various reasons. At times, it could be because their pay doesn’t fulfill their needs accordingly, or maybe they simply aim to expand their bank account, like Conor McGregor, for instance, or to simply obtain financial security. And almost every fighter today has their own side business going on to serve their own purposes.

Especially MMA fighters, who are always in the conversation when the fighters’ pay is discussed. Nevertheless, Bellator fighter Keith Lee has his side hustle by the means of TikTok. And he is serving some real purpose with it.

Keith Lee gained exponential popularity on the video-sharing platform after he started putting out the food-related video as an escape from his social anxiety. But today, his venture is booming sky heights. He has amassed a very loyal fanbase who takes his word for anything food related.

Keith Lee, an MMA Fighter who went from having an eating disorder to becoming a top-notch food critic

In an interview with Business Insider, Keith Lee shed light on his awe-inspiring journey so far. The 26-year-old stated that he developed an eating disorder as a child. And since he was aiming to start out his journey in mixed martial arts, he needed to get it sorted the best way possible. Reflecting on his relationship with food now, he said, “Now I’m diving into a healthier relationship with food.”

The MMA fighter-turned- TikTok sensation started out his journey with food in 2022 by simply putting out cooking videos and reviewing various dishes. Subsequently, he observed that his food-based content is gaining traction on TikTok. Lee‘s videos started amassing millions and millions of views in a relatively short period. And what was a mark of 1 million followers on his TikTok in 2022, grew all the way to 9 million followers today.

Read more: ‘I Did Not Want to Work for Other People’- UFC President Dana White Reveals Why He Became an Entrepreneur

The 26-year-old initially found everything to be incredibly shocking, but he soon got the hang of it and began utilizing his reputation for the better. One of his videos helped an outlet that was having trouble making a good profit on food sell out every day.

Saved businesses with his videos

As reported by the Insider, Frankensons Pizzeria went from barely making $400 per day to selling out every day as a result of Keith Lee‘s single review video. The owner of the Pizzeria, Frank Steel, told Las Vegas ABC affiliate KTNV, “Our phone never stopped ringing. I’ve sold more lemon pepper wings in the last two days than I have in the past four months,” He further added, “I have people coming in from Iowa, people from California, Lake Havasu. I had people come down from Utah, all because of this video.”

The 26-year-old is very well aware of his influence and doesn’t take it for granted. “It’s one thing to see a comment saying they trust what I say. But it’s different to see people standing in line for two hours in the cold just to try food I said I like,” said Keith Lee.

Today, he stands tall with a massive 9 million followers on TikTok and over 300K followers on his Instagram. On a professional front, the Bellator fighter holds a record of 7-5-0, having last fought in 2021. But what he’s doing with TikTok and the impact he’s making is the best way to use his influence and popularity. For helping people out.

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What do you make of this incredible journey of Keith Lee from MMA to TikTok? Let us know in the comments below.