“ONE Championship is like the Olympics” - Nico Cornejo wants to make a splash on the global stage against phenom Adrian Lee

American MMA fighter Nico Cornejo is excited to compete next month in his first match in ONE Championship, which he views as akin to the Olympics for its diverse offering and global stature. He is out to make a big splash and showcase what he is capable of as a fighter.

The 34-year-old Colorado native will battle teen phenom Adrian Lee is his promotional debut in his backyard of Denver at ONE 168 on Sept. 6 in a featured lightweight MMA clash, part of the event happening at the Ball Arena.

In his guesting on 9News in Denver, Nico Cornejo shared his thoughts on facing Lee in his ONE debut and the opportunity to compete at the "Home of Martial Arts."

'The Steel City Kid' said:

"It is a huge accomplishment. A lot of big shoes to fill and, you know, I just hope this opportunity for me helps to pave the way for any athlete growing up in Pueblo [Colorado].

"This is an awesome event, you know. ONE Championship is like the Olympics. You get everything from mixed martial arts. I know the other top competitors, they just focus on MMA. But in ONE Championship, you get it all, you get Muay Thai, you get kickboxing, you get MMA, and you also get grappling."

Check out what he had to say below:

At ONE 168, Nico Cornejo will be competing in his third professional fight. He won both his matches before joining ONE Championship.

Waiting for him at the Denver event is 18-year-old Lee, who made a successful ONE debut back in June with a submission victory over Antonio Mammarella of Australia. 'The Prodigy' is the younger brother of ONE lightweight and welterweight MMA king Christian, and now-retired ONE superstar Angela.

ONE 168: Denver will be airing live and for free in U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription. Tickets for the event are available for purchase on Ticketmaster.

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Nico Cornejo knows exactly what he wants to accomplish at ONE 168

Nico Cornejo is dead set on making a name for himself in ONE Championship, beginning with his promotional debut at ONE 168: Denver on Sept. 6 against Adrian Lee.

The Carlos Machado Jiu Jitsu/Warrior Built MMA affiliate shared this in an interview with MMA UK, underscoring that he will be taking full advantage of the chance to compete under one of the biggest martial arts organizations in the world.

Cornejo said:

"Honestly, I let my work do most of the talking. What I do in the cage, what I do outside the cage, you know. And I'm just trying to make a name for myself."

ONE 168: Denver is ONE's second live on-ground event in the United States after ONE Fight Night 10 in May last year also in Colorado.