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With a hiatus looming due to her pregnancy, “Unstoppable” atomweight world champion Angela Lee supports ONE Championship President and CEO Chatri Sityodtong’s plans to hold a tournament to determine the number one contender for the title.
“I think hosting a Grand Prix for the atomweight division is the perfect way to really determine who deserves the next title shot. This tournament will be the ultimate test of who the true number one contender is, ”said Lee.
Earlier this year, Sityodtong announced that Filipino mixed martial arts fighter Denice Zamboanga had earned the right to challenge Lee, following her landslide victory over former world title contender ONE Mei Yamaguchi.
Zamboanga is currently on a three-game winning streak at the ONE Championship, which includes wins over Jihin Radzuan of Malaysia and Watsapinya Kaewkhon of Thailand. She is also undefeated and quickly gathered a massive fan base. Naturally, the clamor for a Lee-Zamboanga showdown was steadily gaining ground, especially among Filipino fans of mixed martial arts.
But Lee believes Zamboanga has not done enough yet and feels the Filipina should continue to prove herself and strengthen her place in the standings.
“Honestly, even though Denice beat Mei Yamaguchi, I don’t think that alone qualifies her to be the number one contender. The other girls he fought with weren’t even ranked. The atomweight division is packed with at least 10 of the best talent, ”Lee said.
“I think Denice should have to face the top 10 girls first to really prove that she is the number one contender, and the ONE Atom World Grand Prix Championship is the perfect way to do it.”
ONE Championship has held multiple Grand Prix tournaments over the past year, which have been well received by both fans and the media.
ONE Championship recently revealed the Top 5 ranking in the atomweight division, which featured Denice Zamboanga, Meng Bo, Lin Hequin, Mei Yamaguchi and Gina Iniong. I also think Stamp Fairtex, Itsuki Hirata and Jihin Radzuan should be in the mix, “added Lee.
Meanwhile, Lee believes that if her younger sister, recently signed 16-year-old Victoria Lee, joined the tournament, it would be a positive learning experience for her.
“I think Victoria would do very well if she participated in the atomweight Grand Prix. Her skill level is world class and this tournament would give her the experience she needs to get to the top. My bet would definitely be on her. “
Sityodtong said that the ONE Championship plans to hold the ONE Atomweight World Grand Prix Championship in early 2021, with the formal announcement coming later this year.
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