The Making Of A Phenom: Adrian Lee’s Unblemished ONE Championship Journey
Singaporean-American sensation Adrian “The Phenom” Lee has taken the mixed martial arts world by storm since making his professional debut in the world’s largest martial arts organization last year.
As the youngest member of the legendary Lee fighting family, the 19-year-old has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting stars in the lightweight MMA division with three successive US$50,000 performance bonus-winning displays.
Next, the Prodigy Training Center and Evolve MMA athlete welcomes ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion Tye Ruotolo to his domain in a lightweight MMA fight at ONE Fight Night 35: Buntan vs. Hemetsberger on Prime Video.
Before that blockbuster bout, which broadcasts live in U.S. primetime from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, September 5, we take a closer look at Lee’s perfect 3-0 journey on the global stage.
#1 Debuts In Style With Second-Round Submission Of Antonio Mammarella
Lee announced his arrival in ONE in spectacular fashion at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II in June 2024, where he submitted Italian-Australian standout Antonio Mammarella.
Despite making his professional bow against a more experienced adversary, “The Phenom” showed nerves of steel as he immediately went into offense from the opening bell.
He peppered his dance partner with a barrage of strikes before showcasing the well-rounded skill set that runs in the Lee family DNA. Less than a minute into the contest, the young warrior secured his first takedown and established the dominant position that would become his trademark.
In the second stanza, Lee finally found the finish he was hunting. With Mammarella unable to answer the relentless pressure, the Hawaii-based talent locked in the match-winning rear-naked choke at the 1:56 mark.
The performance immediately established Lee as a fighter to watch and set the stage for what has been an absolutely dominant run through the loaded weight bracket.
#2 Taps Hometown Favorite Nico Cornejo In One Round
Lee delivered another scintillating performance at ONE 168: Denver in September 2024, where he submitted Colorado native Nico “The Steel City Kid” Cornejo in front of a packed crowd at Ball Arena.
After dominating the opening exchanges with his crisp striking arsenal, “The Phenom” seamlessly transitioned to his grappling game. From there, it was all one-way traffic.
The Prodigy Training Center and Evolve MMA affiliate immediately began hunting for another finishing sequence on the ground.
Eventually, the teenage sensation found a way to his foe’s neck and tightened his grip on a rear-naked choke that drew an instant tap at the 2:37 mark of the first round.
#3 Submits Takeharu Ogawa In Lightning-Fast Fashion
Lee delivered his most emphatic statement yet at ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang in March of this year as he dismantled Japanese veteran Takeharu Ogawa in just 63 seconds, taking his resume to a flawless 3-0.
Fighting in front of a packed Saitama Super Arena crowd, “The Phenom” wasted no time hitting his groove, once again proving why he has become one of MMA’s most talked-about stars.
Lee immediately shot for a takedown and secured a body lock, driving his previously unbeaten opponent to the canvas with authority. Soon, he established dominant top control while Ogawa desperately scrambled to escape.
As the Japanese striker attempted to break free, Lee unleashed a perfectly placed knee to his opponent’s head before transitioning into an anaconda choke that forced the tap.
The lightning-quick submission earned “The Phenom” his third consecutive US$50,000 performance bonus and proved that he possesses the finishing instincts of a seasoned veteran despite his relative youth.
