In a surprising turn of events, Angela Lee, a prominent figure in ONE Championship, has announced her retirement from mixed martial arts (MMA). Lee made this announcement during the ONE Fight Night 14 broadcast in Singapore, leaving fans and fellow fighters stunned by her decision. Along with her retirement, Lee also revealed that she would be vacating her ONE women’s 115-pound MMA title, opening up opportunities for other fighters in the division.
Lee’s retirement had an immediate impact on the ONE Fight Night 14 main event. Originally scheduled as a fight for the interim ONE women’s 115-pound championship between Stamp Fairtex and Seo Hee Ham, it was quickly upgraded to a bout for the undisputed title. This sudden change raised the stakes for both fighters and added an extra layer of intensity to their clash inside the cage.
In a thrilling encounter, Stamp Fairtex managed to secure a third-round TKO victory over Seo Hee Ham. Winning the fight with a series of devastating body shots at 1:04 of the third round, Fairtex claimed the ONE women’s 115-pound championship. With this triumph, Fairtex expanded her already impressive resume as a ONE champion in MMA, kickboxing, and Muay Thai.
Angela Lee’s decision to retire comes in the wake of a personal tragedy. In September of the previous year, Lee’s sister Victoria tragically took her own life. Victoria, who also fought for ONE Championship, had a significant impact on Angela’s life and career. Angela herself was open about her struggles with mental health, revealing that she had attempted suicide in 2017. These experiences undoubtedly played a crucial role in her decision to step away from the sport.
Throughout her career, Angela Lee became the most decorated women’s fighter in ONE Championship history. With her Canadian, Singaporean Chinese, and Korean heritage, Lee captured the ONE women’s 115-pound title at the young age of 19, making her the youngest champion in major MMA history. Lee successfully defended her title on five occasions, and her most recent defense resulted in a submission victory over Stamp Fairtex in March 2022. Lee expressed her pride in her achievements and stated that she had no regrets about her career.
While retirement may signal the end of her professional fighting career, Angela Lee’s journey is far from over. She plans to dedicate her time and efforts to FightStory, a non-profit organization she founded in honor of her late sister Victoria. FightStory aims to create a platform for individuals to share their personal stories related to mental health. Through this organization, Lee hopes to create awareness, provide support, and ignite meaningful conversations surrounding mental well-being.
Christian Lee, Angela’s younger brother, currently holds the lightweight and welterweight titles in ONE Championship. Known as a rising star in the world of MMA, Christian has yet to announce his plans for the future. With their family deeply rooted in the fighting world, Angela’s retirement and the loss of Victoria undoubtedly present a unique set of challenges for Christian as he navigates his own career path in the sport.
Angela Lee’s retirement marks the end of an era in ONE Championship. Her contributions to women’s MMA and her resilience in overcoming personal obstacles have left an indelible mark on the sport. While fans will undoubtedly miss watching her fierce battles inside the cage, it is her commitment to mental health through FightStory that will continue to inspire and make a lasting impact on individuals around the world. As Angela Lee closes the chapter on her competitive fighting career, a new story begins, one focused on healing, support, and the power of sharing personal experiences.
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