"I was landing the bigger shots" - Christian Lee maintains he had the upper hand before premature end to world title defense

ONE lightweight and welterweight MMA world champion Christian Lee remains adamant that he was on track to defend the 170-pound MMA crown and win his 18th fight in ONE Championship at ONE Fight Night 26 last Friday, Dec. 6.

In an interview with ONE, the 26-year-old was asked whether he felt he was dominating Alibeg Rasulov until the accidental eye poke late in the second round. Lee answered:

"Yes, I do feel like I was winning the fight. I feel like I was landing the bigger shots. I was pushing forward, while controlling the action in the ring."

Lee was in the driver's seat of their world title clash thanks to his timely strikes, which wobbled Rasulov many times. Because of this, he prevented Rasulov from shooting for a takedown out of the Turkish star's wariness of getting caught with a knockout shot.

As the action was heating up towards the end of the second round, the double-champ accidentally poked Rasulov's eye during a flurry of punches.

After a close examination by the ringside physician, it was ruled that the Hyperion Fighters product could not continue, leading to the unfortunate no-contest result.

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Christian Lee prepared to rematch Alibeg Rasulov when the time comes

Fresh off a two-year layoff, Christian Lee wanted a clear-cut, show-stopping victory in his return to the circle. So, he is prepared to rematch Alibeg Rasulov when ONE's matchmakers decide for them to run it back.

During the in-ring post-fight interview with ONE commentator Mitch Chilson, the Evolve MMA and Prodigy Training Center affiliate stated:

"I felt good in here. I feel sharp and I feel ready to go. I could continue fighting right now. I'll be waiting for the call for the rematch."

Fans in the United States and Canada with an active Prime Video subscription can rewatch ONE Fight Night 26 on demand.