“There’s no need for an interim belt” - Two-division champ Christian Lee signals highly anticipated return to action

The two division ONE MMA world champion Christian Lee is returning hard.

He was seen cornering his youngest brother, Adrian Lee, on a victorious pro-MMA and promotional debut over Antonio Mammarella at ONE 167, last Friday, June 7.

Although he has his sight on a possible contender in welterweight, Zebaztian Kadestam, the double-champ also sees the other division wouldn't have to wait too long to face him and coming for that belt, or even fighting for an interim world title.

Speaking to Sportskeeda MMA during the sold out event in Bangkok's Impact Arena, the 25-year-old said:

"There’s no need to have an interim belt, now that I’m back in action, and I’m ready to defend either belt."

The Prodigy Training Center and Evolve MMA fighter last fought in Nov. 2022, when he achieved a milestone of becoming two division king after defeating Kiamrian Abbasov at ONE on Prime Video 4.

Before that, the owner of the most finishes inside ONE Circle avenged his loss and reclaimed the ONE lightweight MMA world title from Ok Rae Yoon.

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Christian Lee sees Zebaztian Kadestam as clear contender in welterweight

Former kingpin Zebaztian Kadestam should be expecting a call soon, after the two division MMA world champion Christian Lee mentioned his name as a clear contender for the welterweight crown.

'The Warrior' thinks that this is the perfect time for him to return as the undisputed ruler of lightweight and welterweight division, and he's expecting his challengers to rise to the occasion.

In an interview with South China Morning Post, Lee mentioned the reason why he thinks Kadestam would be a perfect fit for him in his title defense bout.

He said:

"At welterweight, Zebaztian Kadestam. In my opinion, he's one of the clear frontrunners for a title shot. I mean, he's a former champion. He just came off a great knockout over Roberto Soldic. Hard to think of anyone other than him."