ONE World Champion Angela “Unstoppable” Lee is riding the crest of an eight-fight winning streak which includes one knockout, six submissions and one decision.
Lee’s spectacular climb is similar to Ronda Rousey’s meteoric rise to rule the MMA world several years ago. And like Rousey Lee has started to transcend the sport and is becoming a crossover star all over Asia including the Philippines where not just fight fans but men and women of all ages follow her career.
“Yes, I’m aware that in the Philippines I am received very well. Whenever I come there I am approached by fight fans and these include women of all ages. It’s amazing to hear them tell me that I inspire them and I inspire their daughters,” said Lee.
The unbeaten ONE champion is only 21 but has realized that she has the ability to impact lives, especially young women, in a positive way as a role model.
“Before that I just work out and go about my day training. I didn’t realize that I affected people’s lives. That I somehow inspire them to strive for more. Now that I know this, it just makes my job even more enjoyable. I am very happy to be influencing people, especially young women, in the Philippines and all over the world,” Lee said.
Lee will defend her ONE Championship crown on November 24 at ONE: Immortal Pursuit at the Singapore Indoor Stadium against veteran Mei Yamaguchi who is the only fighter to go the distance against her. Lee beat Yamaguchi by unanimous decision at ONE: Ascent to Power May, 2016.
“I’m very excited to finish the year with a bang. I’m training very hard to become better than ever. I’m constantly improving. I’m really looking forward to fight and get the finish. I’m excited to defend the belt in Singapore,” Lee said.
In her last defense on May, 2017 Lee defeated Istela Nunes in the second round by submission through Anaconda Choke. Lee is looking forward to a similar abbreviated victory over Yamaguchi.
“I’ve gained a lot of confidence since our last fight. And it’s been awhile since our first fight. So I think it’s a great time to fight her again in the cage,” Lee said.
Lee joined ONE Championship in 2014 and fought at ONE: Warrior’s Quest May, 2015. She submitted Aya Saber with an armbar in the first round. At ONE: Odyssey of Champions on September, 2015 she submitted Mona Samir in the first round with a rear naked choke. She then submitted Natalie Gonzales Hills with a twister in the opening round at ONE: Pride of Lion on November, 2015.
Next, she beat Lena Tkhorevska with a rear naked choke in the second round at ONE: Spirit of Champions on Dec 11, 2015. She then subdued Rebecca Heintzman with a neck crank in the second round at ONE: Tribe of Warriors February, 2016.