“I don't think he's next in line” - Christian Lee says Hiroki Tetsuka needs to bounce back before re-entering title conversation
Undisputed two-division ONE MMA world champion 'The Warrior' Christian Lee is getting ready to defend his ONE lightweight MMA world title in a couple of months, but he's already got his next welterweight title defense on his mind. After all, there's no rest for the double champ, not when he's got two 26-pound golden belts over his shoulders.
At one point, the next challenger for the welterweight throne was thought to be streaking Japanese contender Hiroki Tetsuka. But after the 'Japanese Beast's lackluster performance against Isi Fitikefu at ONE 168: Denver two weeks ago, Lee believes Tetsuka has fallen off his radar.
Speaking to media at the ONE 168: Denver post-fight scrum, Lee talked about Tetsuka and shared his thoughts on who could get the next crack at the ONE welterweight MMA world title.
'The Warrior' said:
"He's very good. He's talented. He did a good fight, but I don't think he's next in line. I think that there's somebody that I think they're going to give the shot to next. I'll take whoever's next, whoever they give me, but I'd be kind of surprised if they gave him the next shot over Kadestam."
Needless to say, Lee will have to go up against the absolute elite, no matter who he defends his belt against.
Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action of ONE 168: Denver via replay on demand with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.
'The Warrior' Christian Lee makes highly anticipated return against unbeaten Alibeg Rasulov at ONE 169: Atlanta
'The Warrior' Christian Lee is coming back after two years away from competition to take on an undefeated Turkish monster. Lee is set to defend his ONE lightweight MMA world title against Alibeg Rasulov.
The two lock horns at ONE 169: Atlanta, which broadcasts live from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia on Friday, Nov. 8.
Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates on the event.