Angela and Christian Lee's brother looks to carve his own name in MMA

Angela and Christian Lee’s brother looks to carve his own name in MMA

Adrian Lee, the youngest sibling of MMA stars Angela and Christian Lee, is set to make his professional debut with ONE Championship next week.

Lee will face fellow newcomer Antonio Mammarella at ONE 167 at Bangkok’s Impact Arena on June 7. Ahead of his big fight, the 18-year-old spoke with NextShark to share insights into his journey, family influences and aspirations in the sport.

MMA world champ Christian Lee (right) welcomes his younger brother Adrian (left) to ONE Championship. Image via ONE Championship

How he got started

Lee, of O’ahu, Hawaii, has been immersed in the world of MMA from a young age. Born into a family of accomplished fighters, his journey into the sport was almost predestined.

“I was kind of born into MMA,” says Lee, who just turned 18 in March and graduated from high school in May. “My siblings and my parents have always been training and teaching MMA ever since I learned how to walk. I’ve always been on the mats.”

The influence of his family, particularly of Angela and Christian, has been pivotal in shaping his career. Angela was ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion until her retirement last September, while Christian currently holds the ONE Welterweight and Lightweight MMA World titles.

“Growing up in the family that I’ve grown up in which my siblings had already succeeded to the top in ONE Championship has been great because I’ve been able to follow in their footsteps and I can see what it takes to get to the top,” says Lee, a four-time National Youth MMA Champion. Winning his first national and world titles solidified his decision to pursue MMA professionally.