Adrian Lee Eyeing Two-Division Stardom After ONE Debut At ONE 167

Adrian Lee, the youngest member of the famous Lee fighting dynasty, is set to make his professional MMA debut in ONE Championship at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II next weekend.

The 18-year-old will meet fellow promotional newcomer Antonio Mammarella in a lightweight MMA clash at the Saturday, 8th June, event inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Impact Arena. 

Lee enjoyed an extended run of success as an amateur, and he believes he’s more than ready for the big leagues, as does his team.

“You know, I felt like I’ve been ready to enter the pro circuit for a while. However, it’s just now that my coaches believe my skills are ready for it. That’s the reason why I started,” he said.

Given that he is following in the footsteps of his sister, former ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Champion Angela, and brother, reigning two-weight ONE World Champion Christian, the expectation for Lee to do big things is high. 

That may be a lot to put on a youngster’s shoulders, but he isn’t getting bogged down in the hype.

Instead, Lee has been focusing on the advice he has received from his famous siblings.

“My brother, he’s been here with me every step of the way. And the main thing he tells me is to stay focused on the goal and don’t let anything distract you,” he said. 

“Angela told me a little bit about staying mentally sound, to make sure that you keep your mental health and physical health in check.”

Any 18-year-old on the verge of their date with destiny would be forgiven for having stars in their eyes and big hopes for the future, and Lee is no different. 

That said, he’s also trying to stay grounded by keeping his focus on toppling Mammarella.

Once that win is in the bag, though, the American star is aiming for the very top of his division – and beyond it.

“Right now, the only thing on my mind is beating Antonio Mammarella,” Lee stated. 

“However, after that, I plan on becoming the lightweight champ and possibly two-division champ.”