"I'm grateful to have her by my side" - Adrian Lee inspired by high school sweetheart to reach his full potential in MMA

A source of inspiration is always welcome for up-and-coming mixed martial artists, especially for someone with the promise of Adrian Lee. The 18-year-old MMA ace recently gave a glimpse of his personal life and talked about his partner, Ava.

According to Lee, he's blessed to have a high school sweetheart who supports him every step of the way through his burgeoning MMA career.

'The Phenom' told ONE Championship:

"Me and my girlfriend, we met a few years ago in high school and we'd been friends. We just started dating a year ago. It means a lot to me and gives me another reason why I want to get to the top. I'm grateful to have her by my side."

Adrian Lee was certainly an inspired man in his triumphant MMA debut at ONE 167 last June. The youngest of the famed Lee brood lived up to the hype and more when he submitted Antonio Mammarella and put the entire lightweight MMA division on notice.

The Prodigy Training Center affiliate will look to build on that remarkable outing with another big win at ONE 168: Denver on Sept. 6. Lee will clash heads with Nicholas Cornejo at Ball Arena in what could be another fiery three-round match-up.

Adrian Lee says martial arts made him wise beyond his years

Adrian Lee practically grew up inside his family's gym in Hawaii. Being around combat for most of his life, of course, has given him mental and emotional maturity compared to most people his age.

'The Phenom' told ONE:

"I think that the maturity that MMA brings me definitely has helped evolve and shape me as a person and definitely helps me have an open mind and understand things better."

Tickets for ONE 168: Denver are available via Ticketmaster.