“We create our own realities” - Angela Lee looks back at her life’s journey on her 28th birthday

Angela Lee has left an indelible mark in the world of mixed martial arts, and she's now setting her path on an endeavor bigger than combat sports.

The inaugural and former ONE women's atomweight MMA world champion recently celebrated her 28th birthday, and she reflected on a life filled with success and tribulations.

Taking to Instagram, Lee wrote:

"What an incredible feeling, to wake up every day with passion, purpose, and gratitude for life 🙏. I am so very thankful to live a life that is truly aligned with who I am and what I value. We create our own realities. You only have one life. Make it one that you absolutely love 💛✨"

Angela Lee was one of the most influential female fighters of the past decade and she held the ONE women's atomweight MMA world title since its creation in May 2016 until she relinquished her throne in September 2023.

'Unstoppable' truly lived up to her nickname and finished her professional career, which she fought under ONE Championship, with 11 wins and nine finishes.

Now living away from the world of combat sports, Lee became a champion for mental health and founded the non-profit organization FightStory in memory of her younger sister Victoria.

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Stamp Fairtex reveals Angela Lee was a huge inspiration in her MMA career

Angela Lee didn't just inspire young fighters, she also inspired those she shared the Circle with.

Stamp Fairtex, the last fighter Lee beat before retiring, told the South China Morning Post that the Singaporean-American star was one of her biggest inspirations in MMA.

Originally starting out in the striking arts, Stamp eventually transitioned to MMA where she captured the ONE women's atomweight MMA world title that Lee vacated at ONE Fight Night 14.

Stamp, who was a former ONE atomweight Muay Thai and kickboxing world champion, said:

"I loved watching Angela for sure. Now I think I like myself because my background is Muay Thai and now I'm fighting in MMA."

Stamp challenged Lee for the ONE women's atomweight MMA world title at ONE X but fell in her bid against her longtime idol.