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Reigning and undisputed ONE lightweight and welterweight MMA world champion ‘The Warrior’ Christian Lee of Singapore and the United States believes he was well on his way to ending Alibeg Rasulov’s unbeaten streak when they first met in December of 2024.
The pair first did battle at ONE Fight Night 26 in Bangkok, where an accidental eye poke ended matters abruptly, which forced the fight into a no contest.
Speaking to the South China Morning Post in a recent interview, Lee said he feels he would have gone on to win that fight before the accident.
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‘The Warrior’ said:
“In our first fight, you know, I see it as me winning the striking. I was also pressing for the takedown. I was able to get a quick takedown, but not much control there. And in the second round, leading up to the eye poke, there was a back and forth exchange.”
Lee added:
“He landed a few shots, but I really feel like the momentum was starting to shift my way. And one more round I feel like I could have gotten him out of there.”
Needless to say, Lee says there will be no doubt remaining when he finally runs things back with Rasulov this weekend. ‘The Warrior’ is looking to close this chapter of his rivalry with the Turkish star for good.
Christian Lee and Alibeg Rasulov go to war for undisputed lightweight MMA title at ONE 173 in Tokyo
Double champ ‘The Warrior’ Christian Lee will put his ONE lightweight MMA world title on the line against undefeated Turkish fighter Alibeg Rasulov.
The two lock horns at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri, which will go down live on Sunday, November 16, from Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
Tickets for ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri are available here. Fans in the United States and Canada can catch the action live via pay-per-view on live.onefc.com. Visit ONE Championship’s official website for more information on how to watch from your location.
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding Christian Lee’s next fight.
