“Always focused and learning” - Adrian Lee says he’s been on a daily grind to ‘perfect’ his skills ahead of Denver return
Teen phenom Adrian Lee uses every moment he has in the gym to learn and adapt his skill set.
Thus far, Lee has looked nothing short of spectacular in his MMA career. Of course, he's only had one fight, but the 17-year-old showed the world that he's clearly ready to live up to his famous family's legacy at ONE 167 when he made both his promotional and mixed martial arts debut against Italian standout Antonio Mammarella.
Though it took him a little longer than he'd hoped, Lee got the job done in the second round with a rear-naked choke.
Next, he'll look to add someone else's 'O' to his resume as Lee squares off with ONE Championship newcomer and undefeated Colorado native Nico Cornejo.
Speaking with Cageside Press ahead of their highly anticipated clash at ONE 168: Denver on Friday, September 6, Adrian Lee shared his desire to learn and evolve anytime the opportunity presents itself.
"Every day in the gym, I'm always focused and learning, trying to figure out how I can further perfect my skills."
Nico Cornejo is ready to throw hands with Adrian Lee at ONE 168: Denver
Lee's opponent, Nico Cornejo, makes his promotional premiere unbeaten in MMA, having gone 7-0 between both his amateur and professional careers. Last year, 'The Steel City Kid' scored back-to-back KOs on the Colorado regional scene—an especially impressive feat considering Cornejo is best known as a wrestler.
Still, Cornejo is more than comfortable standing and trading, and that's no different when it comes to his impending scrap with Adrian Lee. Cornejo told ONE:
"I know in my previous bouts that a lot of mine are wrestling. I out-grappled my opponents, but I do have striking on reserve if I need it. I've had a lot of doubters say that I don't have the striking, but no one has been able to stop my wrestling, either."
Will Cornejo's well-rounded skill set carry him to one of the biggest upsets of the year, or will 'The Phenom' make it 2-0 on martial arts' biggest global stage?
Follow this link for tickets for ONE 168: Denver on September 6 at Ball Arena.