“I See That As the Next Fight” – Christian Lee Names Opponent To Defend Lightweight Crown at Debut U.S. Event

ONE Championship touches down on U.S. soil for the first time when ONE Fight Night 10: Johnson vs. Moraes III on Prime Video goes down live at the 1stBank Center in Broomfield, Colorado on Friday, May 5. Every athlete on the promotion’s roster is itching to get on the historic card–not least of which is ONE Lightweight and Welterweight World Champion Christian “The Warrior” Lee.

After 21 professional bouts outside of his home country, Lee would love to get a chance to fight in front of an American crowd, and he views Saygid Izagakhmaev as a perfect dance partner for him at the event.

Christian Lee eyed a Lightweight title defense against Saygid Izagakhmaev for the event

“Man, if I’m on that card, my plan was to defend my lightweight belt, so I’ll do it against Saygid. I’m sure that I’ve heard he wants the title shot. I’m sure he’d be more than willing to take that fight. Doesn’t matter who they throw at me, but in my mind, I see that as the next fight,” he said.

“[Saygid’s] definitely a clear contender in the lightweight division right now. I don’t see anyone else with the kind of momentum that he has.” “The Warrior” has pinpointed the Dagestani fighter as a logical contender for the throne after the promotional newcomer’s trio of wins last year.

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The 28-year was impressed by Izagakhmaev’s commanding performances, and he believes the #3-ranked lightweight contender would offer a similar showing if they were to cross paths.

Christian Lee knew why Demetrious Johnson was picked as the headliner of the event

The Singaporean-American knows the importance of ONE’s debut U.S. event, and he hopes to get a chance to capture the attention of the western hemisphere’s fan base live and in person.

“It’s exciting. I’m so glad that ONE Championship is finally coming to the U.S. They’ve been doing so great, completely dominating in Asia. And now, with the Amazon Prime deal touching down in the U.S., I think that it’s a big time for ONE Championship,” he added.

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“It could only make sense to put the U.S. fighters on that card. The first time they’re touching ground in the U.S. They have a lot of guys on the roster, so of course, DJ’s a big one. He’s going to be headlining the event.”