Christian Lee plans to improve cardio and put on more muscle for next welterweight bout

Two-division world champion Christian Lee has pinpointed some of his shortcomings in his latest welterweight bout that he hopes to rectify in the near future.

Last month at ONE on Prime Video 4, the 24-year-old superstar defied the odds in defeating Kiamrian Abbasov by TKO for the welterweight world title. Both fighters put on a performance of sheer ruthlessness and grit, but it was Christian Lee who ultimately stole the night.

Staging an epic comeback after facing some adversity in the first round, Lee proved resilient, but it was a far cry from what he had expected. Having built a career on hard work, ‘The Warrior’ has since gone back to the drawing board to fix some of his shortcomings before he takes on his next welterweight bout.

He told ONE:

“I plan on taking some time to put on good muscle that’s gonna be sustainable in the later rounds, and I don’t feel like I was at a strength disadvantage against Abbasov, but a few things had come into play with my cardio."

He added:

"Of course, the sickness was a big thing, but I also feel that adjusting to fighting at a heavier weight is gonna take some time to get used to. I’m glad that I had a bit of time to prepare before I fight at welterweight again, but the next time I do show up there, I think it’s gonna be a very different story.”

It might be months before Lee defends his newly attained crown in the 170lbs division.

Following a no-contest call between top divisional contenders Murad Ramazanov and Roberto Soldic, it’s likely Lee will move back to his natural weight class to defend the ONE lightweight world title against Saygid Izagakhmaev.

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Christian Lee feels confident he can outgrapple Islam Makhachev at lightweight

Besides defending two world titles, Christian Lee also has big plans to fight cross-promotionally in the near future. After scoring his second belt, Lee made one of the most daring moves of his career in calling out current UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

The Russian star was in attendance at ONE on Prime Video 4, cornering his Eagles MMA teammate Saygid Izagahkmaev when Lee made the call-out.

Following up with ONE Championship at the post-event presser, Christian Lee elaborated on his future plans to face Makhachev. Although nothing has been set in stone yet, he knows it’s the fight to make:

“I feel confident grappling anybody in the world and if the two of us were to face off, I think it would make for a great fight. Definitely exciting for the fans and I would not be afraid to bring it to the ground to grapple him.”