FIGHT FOR FAMILY LEGACY

Lee will face Turk Rasulov in ONE 169 on Nov 8, two years after sister’s death

- Deepanraj Ganesan

For seven years, the One Championship ring was Christian Lee's "home".

It was where the mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter racked up a record 17 wins in 21 bouts under the Singapore flag, following his 2015 debut as a teenager.

But, since stunning Kiamrian Abbasov of Kyrgyzstan to claim the One welterweight world title and becoming a two-division king in November 2022, he has not returned "home".

After his younger sister Victoria took her own life at the age of 18 in December 2022, Christian went on a self-imposed hiatus as he took time off to heal.

Almost two years on, the 26year-old, nicknamed "The Warrior", announced on July 13 that he would return and continue his family's legacy in the sport.

At the One 169: Atlanta event in the United States on Nov 8, he will defend his One lightweight world title against the undefeated Turkish sensation Alibeg Rasulov, 31, at the State Farm Arena.

Speaking to The Straits Times for the first time since Victoria's death, Christian admitted that he had considered quitting competitive fighting.