ONE Fight Night 26 preview and predictions: Christian Lee vs. Alibeg Rasulov

The wait is over. Two-division MMA world champion Christian Lee is set to make a grand return in the main event of ONE Fight Night 26 inside the legendary Lumpinee Stadium on Dec. 6.

Lee stepped away from the fight game to grief for the passing of his sister Victoria on Boxing Day in 2022. Despite the tragedy, 'The Warrior', equipped with an unbreakable spirit, continued to improve his craft. Now, the Prodigy Training Center and Evolve MMA superstar is fired up to add another spectacular moment to his already illustrious career in Bangkok, Thailand.

The ONE lightweight and welterweight MMA kingpin will be up against an interesting challenge on fight night, with undefeated Turkish sensation Alibeg Rasulov out to ruin his homecoming and extend his slate to 15-0.

Both fighters match up exceptionally well across all areas. Lee's world-class abilities across all departments have been documented to perfection in his 21 professional fights under the ONE banner. Meanwhile, Rasulov showcased his all-around prowess in his dominant debut performance against Ok Rae Yoon.

Before they collide for the ONE lightweight MMA world title, Sportskeeda MMA's team of experts weigh in on both men's chances and pick their winners for this headline attraction.

ONE Fight Night 26 will be available to active Amazon Prime Video subscribers in North America, live in U.S. primetime, this Friday, Dec. 6.

---

Ted Razon: Christian Lee via fifth-round TKO

I expect a dog fight between these two versatile martial artists. After being on the sidelines for two years, I envision Lee starting fast and letting his hands go as soon as the bell rings.

Rasulov will get tagged a few times and initiate a grueling pace in the clinch just like he did against Ok Rae Yoon. ‘The Warrior’, though, likely prepared for this scenario could surprise the Turkish fighter with slicing elbows and knees from close range.

I expect this to go on for the first three rounds, with Lee dominating the striking and Rasulov scoring a takedown or two. However, I foresee this battle of attrition being won in the championship rounds.

I believe Lee’s conditioning will be the biggest factor in this matchup considering his long layoff. Then again, the talented Singaporean-American has proven time and time again that his heart is perhaps his best attribute.

Lee should overcome fatigue and push through. I see him landing a sweep from the bottom and blasting Rasulov with some vicious ground and pound for the highlight-reel stoppage.

---

James De Rozario: Christian Lee via third-round KO

I believe this will be a game that will come down to very minute details. Christian Lee and Rasulov are not only complete in every aspect in terms of skills, but both fighters have the power and the chin to withstand and weather any storm.

But in this sort of game of inches, fighters often dig deep to emerge victorious. And this is where I see Christian Lee taking home the W to remind the world why he's right at the very top of the ONE Championship roster.

Christian Lee will be forced on the backfoot early. Rasulov is hungry to attain 26 pounds of gold, and he will come out of the gates throwing everything out of his arsenal. That will pretty much be the plot for the opening round, but Lee will slowly hit his stride and shrug off his ring rust by the second canto.

From there, Christian Lee will start controlling the flow of the tie. He'd stick to his lightning-quick abilities to switch levels and drain Rasulov's tank on the feet and the canvas behind his ground game and heavy striking combinations.

By round three, it will all be about the double champ landing the decisive blow to perfect his comeback script. And I see him landing a straight or overhand to leave the challenger staring at the ceiling of the Lumpinee Stadium.

---

Vince Richards: Christian Lee via second-round KO

Will we see ring rust from Christian Lee when he defends the ONE lightweight MMA world title against Alibeg Rasulov? I don’t think so.

Lee is a natural when it comes to fighting, and I expect him to operate at his usual blinding pace when he takes on Rasulov in the main event of ONE Fight Night 26.

Just like what he did against Ok Rae Yoon at ONE 160, Lee will be a whirlwind of strikes the moment that bell rings inside the historic Lumpinee Stadium.

Rasulov will have to do his best to weather Lee’s striking and use his grappling against the onslaught that ‘The Warrior’ will bring inside the Mecca of Muay Thai.

I just don’t see Lee slowing down in this fight, and I see him taking this one by stoppage by the second round.

---

Mike Murillo: Christian Lee by third-round KO

First off, happy to see Christian Lee back competing after two years on the sidelines. Also excited that in his return he is up against a formidable opponent in Alibeg Rasulov.

I expect this match to be competitively fought, considering what the protagonists are going to be bringing come fight night.

Lee should emerge victorious in this one, notwithstanding that it was in November 2022 that we saw him last in action. His return has been in the works for some time now and he has trained consistently in preparation for it and ready for battle.

I see ‘The Warrior’ making full use of his versatile striking to get the better of Rasulov, who is known for his grappling style of fighting, en route to a KO win in the third round.

Rasulov will try to bring the contest to the ground, which Lee should ably handle to further pad his cause of making it a successful return.