Mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Angela Lee has declared her retirement from the sport, making the announcement during the ONE Fight Night 14 event at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Saturday (Sep 30). She expressed gratitude to her fans for their unwavering support.
The 27-year-old, a former ONE atomweight champion, had not competed since October 2022. Her decision was influenced by the tragic loss of her younger sister, Victoria, who took her own life in December of the previous year.
Angela Lee received a warm reception as she entered the arena, acknowledging cheers and applause from the crowd. She then placed her championship belt in the center of the cage, symbolizing the end of her career.
During her farewell address, Lee reflected on her journey, both inside and outside the ring, and waved to her dedicated fans. She officially announced her retirement, expressing gratitude to her supporters, ONE Championship, Chatri Sityodtong (the Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship), her teams, and everyone who played a role in her career.
A message from Lee
Lee shared a powerful message with fellow fighters and the audience, stating, “The greatest battle that we’ll ever face won’t be with an opponent standing in front of us. The greatest battle will be within ourselves. We all go through struggles, but we all fight. Each day, we’re victorious when we choose to rise up in the face of adversity. So thank you guys so much. I love you. Thank you.”
Thailand’s Stamp Fairtex, who secured the ONE atomweight championship by defeating South Korean Ham Seo-hee in the third round of their bout, offered her support to Lee. The two had previously fought in March 2022, with Lee winning via submission. Stamp told Lee, “I love you so much, you’re my idol.”
Following her departure from the cage, Angela Lee, holding her two-year-old daughter Ava, was embraced by her husband Bruno Pucci before leaving the arena. She leaves ONE with an 11-3 record.
The Singapore-based MMA promotion later took to Instagram to applaud Angela Lee for her “legendary career,” and several fighters, including Superbon Singha Mawynn, Abraao Amorim, and Ritu Phogat, paid tribute to her.
