Christian Lee names Zebaztian Kadestam as clear contender to welterweight crown: “He’s earned it”
Two-division ONE world champion Christian Lee thinks Zebaztian Kadestam has done more than enough to earn his shot at welterweight gold.
Though he's already got a lightweight title defense lined up for later this year, 'The Warrior' is already eyeing an opportunity to defend his welterweight strap.
Addressing the media alongside his younger brother Adrian Lee following ONE 168: Denver, 'The Warrior' suggested that Swedish standout Kadestam should be the clear top-ranked contender in the division:
"He's earned it. And out of the whole welterweight division, if you look at who is in line, I think he's next."
Check out Christian Lee's comments below:
Following a three-fight losing skid inside the Circle, 'The Bandit' has bounced back in a big way, earning a trio of knockouts against Valmir Da Silva, the late Iuri Lapicus, and most recently, former two-division KSW champion Roberto Soldic.
Given his impressive run as of late, is Kadestam the next man up, or does the former ONE world champion need to bag one more win before cashing in his chips for a shot at 26 pounds of gold?
Christian Lee defends his title against Alibeg Rasulov at ONE 169: Atlanta
Two years removed from his incredible fourth-round TKO against Kiamrian Abbasov at ONE on Prime Video 4 to claim the ONE welterweight MMA title, Christian Lee is set to defend his lightweight belt against one of the division's most dangerous contenders.
On Friday, Nov. 8, 'The Warrior' will return to the Circle when ONE Championship heads back to the United States for a stacked ONE 169: Atlanta card inside State Farm Arena. There, fight fans will be treated to four massive world title clashes, including a bout between Lee as he puts his ONE lightweight MMA crown up for grabs against Turkish standout Alibeg Rasulov.
Making his promotional debut at ONE Fight Night 23 in July, Rasulov earned a dominant decision victory over ex-titleholder Ok Rae Yoon to put himself in pole position at lightweight.
Follow this link for tickets for ONE 169: Atlanta on Nov. 8 at State Farm Arena and ONE Championship fans in the United States and Canada can watch the ONE 168: Denver replay on demand via Amazon Prime Video.