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Christian Lee Sets New Record At ONE: VISIONS OF VICTORY
In a thrilling battle of youth against experience, Christian Lee submits Kazunori Yokota at 4:34 of the second round!TV: Check local listings for global broadcast
Posted by ONE Championship on Friday, March 9, 2018
Teenage sensation Christian “The Warrior” Lee displayed steely composure in his match with Japan’s Kazunori Yokota, and that proved to be fruitful.
The 19-year-old Singaporean submitted Yokota in the second round of their featherweight tilt at ONE: VISIONS OF VICTORY, which emanated from the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Lee secured the win with a move he calls the “Terminator Guillotine,” and in the process, set a new record for most stoppage victories in ONE Championship history at nine.
“The Warrior was light on his feet to start the contest, bouncing in and out of range. He landed a number of low kicks, which kept Yokota, a two-division DEEP Champion, at bay for the majority of the first round. The Singaporean flew in with flurries of punches and went for takedowns, but nothing came of it.
Lee showed improved patience in this contest, as he picked his shots. Yokota landed some significant strikes, but the teenager was unfazed. At the end of the opening frame, however, Lee got his Japanese rival to the ground, and landed elbows from the mounted position. Despite working for a finish, the bell rang, and that may have saved the veteran.
Yokota pushed the pace to start the second round, but again, Lee showed composure. The Evolve MMA product took the Japanese competitor to the mat, and connected with a number of knees on his turtled opponent.
In the blink of an eye, the teen had what looked like a bout-ending modified guillotine choke locked in. Remarkably, Yokota was able to fend it off, and wound up in top position.
After a brief stop to the action for a doctor’s inspection, the 39-year-old looked to have a second wind. He landed some big punches and a takedown, but was unable to do much damage. Yokota gave up his neck once again when he returned to the feet, but this time, Lee secured his newly-named “Terminator Guillotine” to force a tap.
“The Warrior” stated in his post-victory speech with Mitch “The Dragon” Chilson that he is coming for the ONE World Featherweight World Championship, and that was the only thing on his mind.
Lee moves his record to 9-1, and makes history as the sole holder of the most stoppage victories in ONE Championship.