The MMA community was left in mourning as saddening news emerged at the beginning of 2023. Victoria Lee tragically passed away at the tender age of 18 on December 26, 2022.
She was undefeated with a record of 3-0 in the 115-pound Atomweight division at ONE Championship. Her untimely death sent waves of sorrow throughout the sports community. The loss hit particularly hard for the Lee family.
Two of Victoria’s siblings Angela and Christian were working towards making their mark as professional MMA combatants under the ONE banner. Angela Lee is just 26 years old and she holds the distinction of being the youngest competitor ever to secure a world title in a major MMA promotion. She claimed the Atomweight title at the age of 18, marking a remarkable achievement.
She has competed in ONE Championship for the duration of her 14-bout career (11-3), going unbeaten below 125 pounds and collecting four title defences along the way. ONE Championship founder Chatri Sityodtong claims that Lee doesn’t seem to be returning to competitive action.
He shared in a Facebook Watch video that Angela is unlikely to return to the MMA scene due to the profound impact of her sister’s passing.
He said: “Angela Lee is likely not coming back due to the loss of her sister. Christian Lee told me that he wants to come back. Stamp [Fairtex] and Seo Hee Ham will fight in August for the ONE Atomweight championship.”
If Angela Lee’s career indeed comes to a close, her last match will be remembered as an epic clash between two champions. In October 2022, she competed in a champion vs champion matchup against Strawweight titleholder Xiong Jing Nan. Despite her best efforts, Angela lost the match via unanimous decision and fell short in her quest to achieve the two-division titles.
Christian Lee has been carving his own path to success in the MMA world at just 24 years of age. In November 2022, he captured the ONE Welterweight title with a fourth-round stoppage against Kiamrian Abbasov. Lee showcased a combination of elbow strikes and punches to secure the victory. Additionally, Lee also holds the Lightweight title for the promotion.