Gone too soon: Victoria’s (left) death on Dec 26 in Hawaii was announced by her sister Angela on Saturday. — The Straits Times/ANN
Mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Victoria Lee, the younger sibling of ONE Championship stars Angela and Christian, has died. She was 18.
Her death on Dec 26 in Hawaii was announced by sister Angela, One’s atomweight MMA world champion, on Saturday.
“She has gone too soon and our family has been completely devastated since then,” said Angela in a post on Instagram.
“We miss her. More than anything in this world. Our family will never be the same. Life will never be the same.”
The cause of death was not stated. A celebration of her life has is scheduled for Jan 22 before her burial.
Angela requested “grace and respect” for her family, and urged everyone to “check on your loved ones”.
“Keep checking on them. Give them hugs and tell them how much they mean to you. You just never know,” she said.
In a statement, ONE expressed shock at the news: “The ONE Championship team is devastated over the tragic passing of Victoria.
“We send our most heartfelt condolences to her family and friends at this difficult time.”
ONE chief executive officer Chatri Sityodtong said he was “heartbroken” by the news.
Tributes have started pouring in for Victoria on social media.
On Facebook, Myanmar fighter Aung La Nsang, another ONE champion, wrote: “My heart breaks for the Lee family. I have so much respect and admiration for them. The news of Victoria broke my heart.”
Indian fighter Ritu Phogat commented on Angela’s Instagram post, saying: “We are so sorry to hear this. Our deepest condolences for your whole fanily....”
Victoria was touted as one of the most promising MMA stars in the world.
She made her debut at the Fists of Fury event at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in February 2021, beating Thai fighter Sunisa Srisen via a rear-naked choke before winning her next two fights also through finishes.
Victoria has not fought since Sept 21, 2021, when she defeated Brazilian Victoria Souza via a technical knockout in Singapore. Her next bout was supposed to be on Jan 14 against Indian fighter Zeba Bano, 24, in Bangkok.
Although they reside in the United States, the Lee trio – Christian is also ONE’s lightweight and welterweight MMA world champion –fight under the Singapore flag.
They are coached by their parents, Ken and Jewelz. — The Straits Times/ANN
