Adrian Lee Prepares for ONE 168: New Lessons and Big Ambitions

LockerRoom Team

31 Aug 2024

Adrian Lee, the latest member of the Lee family to make waves in the MMA world, is eager to showcase his growth and skills in his upcoming fight at ONE 168. After his professional debut, Lee is keen to build on his experience and prove himself on a larger stage.

Reflecting on his debut, Lee describes it as a unique experience. “Going into my first fight, it was definitely something I've never experienced before. I've been to my siblings' fights so many times, but being the one in the middle, it's really something so different,” he shares. Despite the nerves, he is looking forward to his next bout, confident in his ability to better showcase his skills. “I think in this next fight, I’ll be able to display more of my skills and really show what I can do.”

Lee is mindful of the lessons learned from his debut. “The main thing I took away from that last fight was I was rushing to finish too much...I plan to stay more composed.” With his debut jitters behind him, he is ready to expand his game and demonstrate more of his abilities.

With a performance bonus in his pocket, Lee indulged in a personal passion. “One thing I actually did buy was a camera because one of my hobbies is photography. So, I was really excited to be able to get the camera; it was a real treat.”

The upcoming fight at ONE 168: Denver holds special significance for Lee, as he competes on U.S. soil for the first time. “It means a lot to me...I'm excited to show the American fans what ONE fighters can do,” he says. He feels grateful for the opportunity to perform on such a big stage and is determined to showcase his skills to the American audience.

Looking ahead to his fight against Nico Cornejo, Lee has done his homework. “I've seen quite a few of his fights...he's a good striker and wrestler, so I can't wait to see how that fight will play out,” he notes. He plans to counter Cornejo’s striking and wrestling with his own well-rounded game. “I plan on finishing it first round, either TKO, KO, or submission, whatever comes first.”

The pressure is on for Lee, especially with high expectations set by his brother Christian, a current ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion. “It definitely puts a lot of pressure on me...However, I plan to just use that to motivate and drive me to become the best combat sports athlete I can be,” he states confidently.

As he watches the lightweight division closely, Lee is taking it one fight at a time but believes his next performance will put more eyes on him. “After this fight, definitely there's going to be a lot more eyes on me because the lightweight division is going to have one more thing to be worried about.”

With his brother Christian defending his title at ONE 169: Atlanta, Adrian is confident in his sibling’s abilities. “I see my brother beating him in all aspects of this game...it'll be a clean victory.”

Inspired by his family’s accomplishments and the opening of the Prodigy Training Center, Lee remains focused on his long-term goals. “With all these things that's happened...my goal still stays the same; I plan to be one of the greatest combat sports athletes of all time.”

As Adrian Lee prepares for ONE 168, he aims to make a strong statement and continue his family’s legacy in the world of mixed martial arts.