"I'm going into this matchup hungry" - Double champ Christian Lee says he'll squash Alibeg Rasulov's title hopes at ONE 169: Atlanta
When it comes to determination and excitement, not many can claim that they have it in abundance as Christian Lee. For his part, the two-divison MMA world champion is ready to showcase that once more almost 24 months on since he last graced the ONE Championship Circle.
'The Warrior' took a step back from the limelight after his younger sister, Victoria, tragically took her life on Boxing Day in 2022.
After grieving alongside his family and paying respect to his youngest sibling, the 26-year-old superstar is ready to remind the world why he's the best in his class at ONE 169: Atlanta inside State Farm Arena on Nov. 8.
That evening, the Evolve MMA and Prodigy Training Center is locked in for a ONE lightweight world title defense against Turkish standout Alibeg Rasulov, who enjoyed a victorious debut against former kingpin Ok Rae Yoon in July to stay perfect across 14 professional fights.
Speaking on his mindset for this contest, Christian Lee told Cageside Press that he will play the role of the hunter instead of the hunted due to his appetite for some game time under the ONE spotlight.
The Hawaii-based martial artist noted:
"So going into this fight, there is no double champ for me in my head. I'm the contender. I'm going into this matchup hungry."
Watch the full interview here:
Alibeg Rasulov hopes to ruin Christian Lee's homecoming in Atlanta
As hungry as Christian Lee is, the Singaporean-American star won't have it easy against the skilled Dagestani-born contender.
Rasulov's ruthless aggression was on full display in his promotional bow against Ok, and he'll certainly pack a similar bite in his arsenal when he faces arguably the toughest test of his career.
Moreover, after failing a hydration test that eventually denied him of the chance to become the ONE interim lightweight world champion at ONE Fight Night 23, the Hyperion Fighters affiliate should cut no corners in his bid to lay his hands on the promotion's coveted 26 pounds of gold.
ONE 169: Atlanta will be available to active Amazon Prime Video subscribers in North America. Tickets can be purchased on Ticketmaster.