Mixed martial arts (MMA) has seen many champions, but few have left as indelible a mark as Angela Lee. At the ONE Fight Night 14 event held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Saturday (Sep 30), Lee, the former ONE atomweight champion, announced her retirement from the sport, marking the end of an era.
A Young Prodigy
Angela Lee’s journey in MMA is nothing short of remarkable. At just 19, she became ONE’s youngest world champion, clinching the inaugural women’s Atomweight World Championship in May 2016. Fighting under both the Singapore and US flags, Lee’s rapid ascent in the MMA world was a testament to her skill, determination, and passion for the sport.
A Heartfelt Farewell
The atmosphere was thick with emotion as Lee walked into the cage to the sound of roaring applause. Placing her championship belt in the center, she expressed her gratitude to fans, her teams, ONE Championship, and its founder, Chatri Sityodtong.
Lee’s words resonated deeply with everyone present: “The greatest battle will be within ourselves. We all go through struggles, but we all fight. Each day, we’re victorious when we choose to rise up in the face of adversity.”
Tributes and Embraces
Following her announcement, Thailand’s Stamp Fairtex, the new ONE atomweight champion, embraced Lee, expressing her admiration and calling Lee her “idol.” The two had previously faced off in March 2022, with Lee emerging victorious.
As Lee exited the cage, she was joined by her two-year-old daughter Ava and husband Bruno Pucci, marking a poignant moment of family unity. The MMA community rallied around Lee, with ONE Championship and fellow fighters paying tribute to her legendary career.
Battles Beyond the Cage
Lee’s retirement comes after a challenging period in her personal life. The tragic loss of her younger sister, Victoria, last December, has been a profound blow to the Lee family. Both Angela and her brother, Christian Lee, took a hiatus from the sport following the tragedy.
In a candid revelation last week, Lee shared her own struggles with mental health, disclosing a 2017 car crash as a suicide attempt. Through these adversities, Lee has shown resilience and a commitment to raising awareness about mental health issues.
A New Chapter
With her MMA career behind her, Lee is now channeling her energies into Fightstory, a non-profit organization she founded in March. The initiative aims to shed light on mental health struggles, drawing from Lee’s personal experiences and her desire to make a difference.
In the world of MMA, Angela Lee’s legacy will always be remembered – not just for her achievements in the cage but for her courage in sharing her personal battles and her commitment to helping others.
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