For an 18-year-old following three family members into ONE Championship, two of whom have been multiple-time world champions, it would be easy to understand if they were daunted by the prospect.
However, Adrian Lee seems to be taking all the attention in his stride.
The Lee family name is a storied one in ONE Championship. Adrian’s brother, and training partner, Christian, is the current lightweight and welterweight MMA champion, while older sister Angela has retired from the ring after being ONE’s atomweight world champion.
This week at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II the 18-year-old gets to start his journey with the world’s biggest martial arts organisation.
At the Impact Arena in Bangkok, the same arena Angela defended her title for the first time, Adrian takes on Antonio Mammarella in a lightweight MMA clash in what feels like the culmination of a lifetime’s work despite his tender age.
He seems remarkably relaxed though.
“Of course, all the competition that I’ve had previous to this are all things that will help me handle the pressure,” he said. “But, I just believe in my training and when the time comes, I’ll be ready for it.”
He has already realised he won’t be paid by the minute in Bangkok – and plans on finishing the night as quickly as possible.
““During this camp, we’ve been practically focused on everything, but the main thing we’ve been focused on is just how to get the job finished as soon as possible,” he said. “Of course, the ideal scenario would first off just be to finish as fast as possible in round one, either by TKO or submission, whatever comes first.
“However, my main goal is just to get out there, win, and finish.”
If all goes to plan this weekend, then his next steps will be to stay busy in the next 12 months and see where that takes him – including the possibility of a fight on home soil.
““After this fight, I plan on being very frequent, hopefully getting in another one or two fights this year and a few fights next year.
“I think it’s great that ONE is coming over to the U.S. again, and I’m excited to see how they’re going to do.
“I would love to compete on a show in Hawaii. I don’t know if ONE will ever be able to come to Hawaii, but if so, I’d love to be able to compete in front of my friends and family.”
Middle East fight fans can watch ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II live on BeIN SPORTS as well as watch.onefc.com on Saturday June 7 from 3am AST.
