"It's important to take some time off" - Two-division world champion Christian Lee feels 'refreshed' after MMA hiatus

At ONE 167, Christian Lee was back around a ONE Championship fight week for the first time in a long time.

The ONE lightweight and welterweight MMA world champion hasn't been seen in the public eye much over the last year, but cogs are starting to turn.

'The Warrior' was in attendance at the Impact Arena in Bangkok this past weekend to corner his younger brother Adrian for his successful MMA debut.

Of course, it was only a matter of time before he was asked in an interview about the plans for his long-awaited return having not fought since November of 2022.

Lee gave some promising signs in an interview with the South China Morning Post where he spoke about how the time away has got him back where he needs to be:

"It's been important to take some time off and just come back refreshed. Have a fresh start and you know, be able to go out there and focus on the goal."

Watch the full interview below:

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The return of Christian Lee is imminent

It hasn't been an easy time for Christian Lee or his siblings following the tragic events that took place at the end of 2022.

Following Victoria Lee's sudden passing, atomweight world champion Angela decided to retire while Christian took time off.

He hasn't competed since his incredible two-weight triumph over Kiamrian Abbasov at ONE on Prime Video 4 and he has been missed by the fans.

With Adrian becoming the first Lee sibling to compete since Victoria's passing, it is now time for the two-weight world champion in the family to make his return.

You can be sure that when the lightweight and welterweight MMA king steps back inside the Circle, it will be a real moment in the history of both the Lee and ONE Championship family.

ONE 167 is available to watch back in full for free via Prime Video for US and Canadian fans with an active subscription.