“It's not how I expected it to go” - Christian Lee apologizes for anticlimactic ending in return fight vs. Alibeg Rasulov

Christian Lee was apologetic following the anticlimactic end to his ONE world title tilt against Alibeg Rasulov.

After over two years on the shelf, the two-division titleholder returned to action at ONE Fight Night 26 in Bangkok, putting his ONE lightweight MMA world championship on the line against the unbeaten Dagestani wrestler.

After an entertaining opening round, disaster struck with just 10 seconds left in the second stanza when Lee inadvertently poked Rasulov in the eye during an exchange. Unfortunately, Rasulov could not continue, resulting in the bout being waved off and ruled a no-contest.

Speaking with Mitch Chilson immediately after the result, Lee expressed frustration over the finish and offered an apology to everyone watching inside the legendary Lumpinee Stadium and on Amazon Prime Video:

"I fought the best fight I could fight and I'm sorry for everyone who came out to watch the fight hoping for a finish. It's not how I expected it to go."

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Christian Lee disappointed that he couldn't get the finish at ONE Fight Night 26

Speaking with Nick Atkin of the Bangkok Post shortly after the conclusion of ONE Fight Night 26, Lee was once again apologetic — this time to his opponent who he commended for making an intelligent albeit disappointing decision:

"It's unfortunate. I apologize of course to my opponent, Alibeg. I saw the instant replay, there was an eye poke, and if he felt he couldn’t continue, then that was the smart decision for him. I'm just disappointed I couldn't get the finish for everyone."

Check out the full interview below:

In all likelihood, ONE Championship will book a rematch between Lee and Rasulov for some time in 2025. When and where is yet to be determined, but when the time comes, fight fans will be ready to see two of the best in the business settle things atop the lightweight MMA division.

If you missed any of the action, ONE Championship fans in the United States and Canada can watch the ONE Fight Night 26 replay on demand via Amazon Prime Video.