“One step at a time” - Christian Lee feels like he’s ‘just getting started’ as he preps for ONE 169: Atlanta return
At just 26 years old, Christian Lee has accomplished more than most fighters will throughout their entire careers—and he's just getting started.
It's been two years since we last saw 'The Warrior' step inside the Circle. That all changes on Friday, November 8, when the two-division ONE world champion returns to defend his ONE lightweight MMA world championship against Turkish standout Alibeg Rasulov.
Lee's lengthy absence led to speculation that he, like his sister and former ONE atomweight queen Angela Lee, may vacate his title and retire from the sport. Fortunately, that is not the case. In fact, 'The Warrior' feels like things are only just beginning, and he's ready to take us all on the journey. Lee told Sportskeeda MMA:
"I don't feel like I'm near the end of my career. I do feel like I'm just getting started, and I'm going to take you one step at a time."
Finishing 16 of his 17 opponents inside the Circle, Christian Lee is one of ONE Championship's most prolific finishers—a trend he'll look to continue against the unbeaten Rasulov.
Christian Lee faces a tough test in his return to the Circle at ONE 169: Atlanta
The last time we saw Christian Lee compete, he went toe-to-toe with Kiamrian Abbasov for the ONE welterweight MMA world title.
Overcoming some early adversity, 'The Warrior' won the day with a stunning come-from-behind KO in the fourth round to take another 26 pounds of gold back home to Hawaii. Tragically, Lee lost his little sister and ONE Championship prospect Victoria Lee a month later, which has kept him out of the spotlight for the last couple of years.
In his absence, ONE Championship has seen a new contender emerge for Lee's lightweight title.
Making his promotional debut at ONE Fight Night 23, Alibeg Rasulov secured an impressive unanimous decision victory over former ONE world champion Ok Rae Yoon, establishing himself as the division's top-ranked contender. Boasting an undefeated record of 14-0, Rasulov is primed to spoil Lee's big return and kickstart a new era in one of ONE's most talent-rich divisions.
Follow this link for tickets for ONE 169: Atlanta on November 8 at State Farm Arena.