“I’m Prepared to Defend Either Belt” – Christian Lee Eager to Return to Action, Hints at Potential Return Dates

Two-division ONE world Champion Christian Lee is ready to step back into the spotlight. ‘The Warrior’ was in his brother Adrian’s corner last Friday, June 7, as the 18-year-old won his promotional debut against Antonio Mammarella in impressive fashion at ONE 167. The youngest Lee sibling submitted his Italian-Australian foe in the second round of their lightweight MMA encounter, and he was cheered on by the sold-out crowd at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

During the lead-up to the fight, Nicolas Atkin of Sportskeeda MMA asked Christian if he was considering a return to the global stage, and it looks like he’s eyeing a couple of events on the ONE calendar.

ONE Lightweight champion earmarks two likely return dates for title defenses

“I would like to be back in action soon. I heard they’re putting on a show in Denver, September, so I’d love to try to get on that card and defend one of my belts. I’d love to fight in Atlanta; we’ll see. Whichever one comes first, if they can get me a fight in September, I’ll take it, but if not, then November, Lee said.

In his last outing at ONE on Prime Video 4 in November 2022, Lee added the ONE Welterweight MMA World Title to his lightweight belt when he knocked out Kiamrian Abbasov in the fourth round of their showdown. The tragic passing of his sister, Victoria, a month later caused him to take an extended break from competition, but the 25-year-old now seems primed to make his way back to ONE Championship.

The promotion is set to return to the U.S. in the fall, with two shows planned in Denver and Atlanta, respectively, and Lee appears open to putting either of his straps on the line. “I’m prepared to defend either belt; whichever one they can get a clear contender first,” he said. The lightweight MMA division is stacked with talent, including Lee’s younger brother, so it’s difficult to name a top contender for the divisional crown. However, ‘The Warrior’ believes that the welterweight MMA division has a clear challenger in the form of a previous titleholder.

Christian Lee proclaims his interest in a matchup against Zebaztian Kadestam

Moreover, he alluded to his interest in taking up the bout if it was offered. “I think in the welterweight division, definitely the clear contender would be [Zebaztian] Kadestam. He’s a former champion; he’s also coming off a great knockout over Roberto Soldic, so, you know, it’s hard to pass him up, definitely. In the welterweight division, I think he will be next. I’m excited to be back in ONE Circle, and I’m looking forward to put on a great show the next time I’m back as well.”

Only time will tell how Lee’s aspirations take form but ONE fans can surely start mustering up their excitement to see the exciting champion make a grand comeback to the promotion and engage in scintillating affairs. What do you make of Christian Lee’s revelations? Let us know in the comments section below.