"They're both very strong" - Hiroyuki Tetsuka wants interim welterweight title bout while Christian Lee defends lightweight belt

Hiroyuki Tetsuka will extend his active winning streak to six if he beats Isi Fitikefu at ONE 168: Denver.

If the 'Japanese Beast' does so, he expects that long-overdue world title shot against welterweight MMA world champion Christian Lee as the next logical step.

However, since 'The Warrior' is also the reigning lightweight MMA kingpin, Tetsuka understands that it might take a while for Lee to return at 185 pounds.

In an exclusive interview with ONE Championship, the streaking welterweight contender suggested an interim world title tiff against two possible opponents.

"Christian Lee has a lightweight title fight in Atlanta in November, so the welterweight division might be stagnant for a while. I'd be happy if they could set up an interim title fight."

The Yamada Dojo -TGFC standout continued:

"If not Christian, then maybe the former champion Zebaztian Kadestam or Roberto Soldic. They're both very strong fighters."

Lee will come off his MMA hiatus at ONE 169: Atlanta, where he'll defend his 170-pound MMA crown against Turkey's Alibeg Rasulov on November 8 at State Farm Arena.

Tetsuka, on the other hand, has been knocking on the door of a title shot amid his stellar five straight finishes against some tough competition.

The 34-year-old most recently took out Valmir Da Silva with a suffocating north-south choke at ONE Fight Night 21 last April.

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Isi Fitikefu eyeing Christian Lee if he ends Hiroyuki Tetsuka's hot streak

It just so happens that Tetsuka's ONE 168 opponent also has his sights on Christian Lee.

For Isi Fitikefu, there's no better way to prove he's ready for a title shot than by stealing the 'Japanese Beast's thunder and taking away his contender status.

'Doxz' told ONE:

"I've got my eye on Christian Lee, but there's a lot of guys I've got my eye on. The other guy that excites me a lot is Roberto Soldic. He fought Zebaztian Kadestam on the last Denver card. Both of them. Those fights excite me a lot."

Tickets for ONE 168: Denver at Ball Arena on September 6, as well as ONE 169: Atlanta are available via Ticketmaster