Victoria Lee. Photo from ONE Championship
MANILA, Philippines—Gratitude goes to mixed martial arts prodigy Victoria Lee.
Lee, who was only 18 years old, passed away on December 26 of last year. Her death was announced on Saturday by her sister and ONE atomic weight champion Angela Lee.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Victoria Lee. I first met Victoria when she was 11 years old. I have watched her mature over the years as a fighter and a human being. I always remember thinking how wise, caring and selfless she was beyond her age,” ONE CEO and founder Chatri Sityodtong posted on social media.
“Of course, back then she was an extraordinary martial arts prodigy, but I could see that she was more than that,” he added.
Team Lakay also offered their condolences to Lee and her family.
“Team Lakay sends their sincerest condolences to the Lee Family. We are still skeptical. Rest in peace, Victoria,” Team Lakay principal Mark Sangio wrote on social media.
“The MMA community has lost a young champion. Our condolences to the Lee family,” wrote former ONE strawweight champion Joshua Pacio.
Lee had a sensational ONE debut last year when she defeated Sunisa Srisan in the second round. She fought two more times in 2021 and also won after injury time.
She is scheduled to compete again in ONE’s Prime Video 6 event on Saturday in Bangkok, Thailand.
“My deepest condolences to you and your family 🙏🏼🤍,” former top nuclear contender Denice Zamboanga said in a comment to Angela’s post about Victoria.
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