ONE Champions Christian And Angela Lee May Not Fight Again
Their 18-year-old sister passed away last month.
Following the passing of their sister Victoria, Christian and Angela Lee may decide not to fight again, according to ONE CEO Chatri Sityodtong.
Victoria, who was only 18 years old, passed unexpectedly last month. Although the reason for her death has not been disclosed, the MMA world still mourns her loss.
Some believed Victoria may have ultimately challenged for the championship, joining the champion ranks of her siblings Christian and Angela.
When word of Victoria’s passing spread, United MMA – which was ran by the Lee siblings — in Hawaii shut its doors.
“The thought has crossed my mind that it’s possible that Christian and Angela … and I haven’t spoken to them so this is just pure conjecture, but I’ve thought of all the different scenarios,” Sityodtong said of the Lee siblings.
“Either they’re not going to fight for a long, long time, and possibly they may later on choose to walk away from everything, but I have no idea…
“I don’t know if it’s true or not, I haven’t asked, but I heard that United MMA is closed down. I don’t know if that is rumors. It has been reported by the media. I have not asked the family. Our conversations have been sharply focused on Victoria, her legacy, and again I’m just sending love and prayers to them.”
ONE will have an annual “Victoria Lee Day.” The yearly custom’s specifics haven’t been disclosed, but the organization held a pre-fight ceremony in Victoria’s honor prior to the January 14 bout.
The ONE welterweight championship was most recently won by Christian in November. Prior to that, in a rematch with Ok Rae Yoon, he successfully defended the promotion’s lightweight title.
In 2019, Angela won the ONE atomweight title. In an October bid for the strawweight title, she was defeated by a unanimous decision. Victoria had a perfect record as a professional and was due back earlier this month.
“I would also like to address the media and news outlets that have tried to contact myself, my parents and any other members of my family during this time,” Angela said earlier this week on Instagram.
“I ask you respect our wishes to not give any further public statements. Stop contacting us, stop hiring private investigators, stop with the conspiracy theories. Please show some respect and give us our time and space to grieve.”