In a shocking turn of events, Angela Lee, one of ONE Championship’s most prominent stars, revealed her retirement from mixed martial arts (MMA) during the ONE Fight Night 14 broadcast in Singapore on Friday night. Lee’s decision to step away from the sport has left fans and fellow athletes in disbelief, marking the end of an era for women’s 115-pound MMA. As she bids farewell, let’s take a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey of this extraordinary fighter.
A Change of Plans: The Impact on the Main Event
Angela Lee’s retirement not only sent shockwaves through the MMA community but also had a significant effect on the ONE Fight Night 14 main event. Originally scheduled as a fight for the interim ONE women’s 115-pound championship, Stamp Fairtex’s bout against Seo Hee Ham suddenly became a clash for the undisputed title. Stamp Fairtex seized the opportunity, defeating Ham via TKO with a series of well-placed body shots in the third round, becoming a champion in MMA, kickboxing, and Muay Thai, all under the ONE banner.
At just 27 years old, Angela Lee leaves behind an extraordinary legacy as the most decorated women’s fighter in ONE Championship’s history. Born in Canada and raised in Hawaii, Lee captured the ONE women’s 115-pound title at the tender age of 19, making her the youngest champion in major mixed martial arts history. Her victory marked the beginning of a reign that saw her successfully defend the title five times, including a recent submission win over Stamp Fairtex in March 2022.
The untimely passing of Angela Lee’s younger sister, Victoria Lee, who also fought for ONE Championship, has played a pivotal role in her retirement decision. Victoria’s suicide last September shattered the Lee family, leaving Angela grappling with unimaginable grief. In a recent interview with ESPN’s Daniel Cormier, Lee revealed her own struggles with mental health, disclosing a suicide attempt in 2017. These experiences have deeply impacted Lee, influencing her choice to step away from the sport she loves.
Looking Ahead: A Life Beyond the Cage
While bidding farewell to her illustrious career in MMA, Angela Lee is not turning her back on the fight against mental health issues. In honor of her sister Victoria, she has established a non-profit organization called FightStory. This charity aims to provide a platform for individuals to share their personal stories surrounding mental health, fostering empathy, support, and ultimately raising awareness about this critical issue.
Within the Lee family, fighting is undoubtedly a way of life. Angela’s sibling, Christian Lee, is a force to be reckoned with in the world of MMA. At just 25 years old, he holds titles in ONE Championship as both the lightweight and welterweight champion, solidifying his status as one of the most exciting young fighters in the sport. As for Christian, he has yet to make any definitive statements about his own MMA future, but the weight of their shared history surely weighs heavily on his decision-making process.
A Career of Greatness and No Regrets
As Angela Lee brings her remarkable career to a close, she expressed feeling tremendous pride and having no regrets. She affirms that her journey has been nothing short of incredible, underlining the significance of her accomplishments and the joy she experienced along the way. With a positive outlook on what lies ahead, Lee cherishes the memories and looks forward to the future, not only for herself but also for the countless lives she intends to impact through FightStory.
Angela Lee’s retirement from MMA marks the end of an era. Her exceptional talent, resilience, and sportsmanship have left an indelible mark on the ONE Championship organization and the sport as a whole. As we bid farewell to this legend, we celebrate her achievements and commend her for using her platform to make a lasting difference in the lives of others. Angela Lee’s legacy will resonate far beyond her time in the cage, inspiring future generations of fighters and reminding us all of the power of resilience, determination, and compassion.
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