“I’m gonna be a much different fighter” - Christian Lee looking to prepare better for his next welterweight fight

Christian Lee believes improvements can be made to his preparations for welterweight.

‘The Warrior’ made ONE Championship history by becoming a two-division world champion. Lee added the ONE welterweight world title to his collection after defeating Kiamrian Abbasov with a fourth-round TKO. The 24-year-old made a massive comeback but took a brutal beating before overcoming adversity.

During an interview with ONE, Lee had this to say about his plans to evolve before fighting at welterweight again:

“So I just had to really get ready in fight camp, and my body naturally carried the weight easily. It wasn’t like I was cutting weight, [but] it wasn’t like I was at my optimum size at the welterweight division. The next time I fight at welterweight, I think that it’s gonna be a very different. I feel that I’m gonna be a much different fighter the next time I fight at welterweight.”

Lee has solidified himself as one of the best fighters on the planet, but he has room to improve at welterweight. ‘The Warrior’ seemed to have more trouble with Abbasov’s strength compared to his opponents at lightweight. Luckily, the 24-year-old is still young and has plenty of self-awareness.

Watch highlights of Christian Lee vs. Kiamrian Abbasov below:

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Christian Lee plans to ‘take a few months’ to prepare for first welterweight title defense

Christian Lee accepted extra responsibility by becoming a two-division champion. ‘The Warrior’ is now expected to defend world titles at different weight classes. During the same interview with ONE, Lee revealed plans to adjust his body to welterweight.

He said:

“I’m gonna take a few months to just really get myself ready, get my body strong at the welterweight limit. I feel like, in my match against Abbasov, I had less than two months to prepare for that fight. I wasn’t able to spend a whole lot of time on building the proper muscle, the proper size, and of course, being comfortable on that weight.”

It’s unclear whether Lee plans to defend his lightweight title first or immediately return to welterweight. ‘The Warrior’ started 2022 by regaining his lightweight throne against Ok Rae Yoon, followed by taking out Kiamrian Abbasov. The 24-year-old continues to make MMA history with more opportunities to arise in 2023.