Teenage mixed martial arts rising star Adrian “The Phenom” Lee was touted as one the most exciting prospects in MMA ahead of his professional debut and at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II, and he lived up to the hype.
Expectations were sky high for the 18-year-old when he walked to the Circle as the latest representative of the famous Lee family, which has produced ONE World Champions Christian Lee and Angela Lee.
But “The Phenom” made the perfect start to his career, dominating opponent Antonio Mammarella on his way to a rear-naked choke submission in the second round.
He fired a mild mannered but still ominous warning to the rest of the lightweight MMA division after the fight.
“It feels great. I’ve been looking forward to this moment my whole life. I’m just so happy I finally got my turn,” Lee told ONE commentator Mitch Chilson post-fight.
“Thank you to all the fans that came out to watch me fight. I promise the next fight will be faster.”
At ONE 168: Denver, he’ll get the chance to deliver on that promise.
Adrian Lee to face Nicholas Cornejo at ONE 168: Denver
Adrian Lee will take on ONE Championship newcomer Nicholas Cornejo in his second professional MMA outing at ONE 168: Denver.
The ultra-stacked fight card goes down on September 6 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, United States. Cornejo, a hard-hitting American with a background in wrestling represents another stiff test for the skills of Lee.
“The Steel City Kid” has made a perfect start to his own professional career, with two-straight knockouts to his name on the regional circuit in the United States. The 34-year-old will also have a large contingent of support while competing in his native Colorado.
With a victory over Lee, Cornejo can establish himself as a major rising star on the ONE roster. Meanwhile, Lee will be desperate to gain more experience in the Circle and continue his rise toward the top of the talent-laden lightweight MMA division.