Late MMA fighter Victoria Lee to be honoured with award, scholarship: One C’ship

SINGAPORE – One Championship has announced that it will be celebrating the life of

the late mixed martial arts fighter (MMA) Victoria Lee

with an annual award, a scholarship and a “Victoria Lee Day” on Jan 13.

The MMA outfit announced the move on Wednesday, on what would have been her 19th birthday.

One’s chief executive officer and chairman Chatri Sityodtong said in a Facebook post that the teenager had the “purest heart of gold” and a “brilliant mind”.

“She always looked after others before herself. She wanted to use her life to help the world,” he wrote.

A rising star in the sport, Victoria was the younger sister of One Championship atomweight and lightweight world champions Angela and Christian. She died on Dec 26, 2022, in Hawaii. No reason was given for the cause of death.

Although they reside in the United States, the Lees, who are coached by their parents, fight under the Singapore flag to represent their father’s birth country. “Angela, her family, and I have had multiple discussions over the last several months on the best way to honour Victoria’s life,” said Chatri.

One Championship will hand the Victoria Lee Award every year to an athlete who “goes above and beyond the call of duty in giving back to his/her community through charitable efforts and contributions”.

Chatri added that the first recipient will be named later in 2023. He also called on members of the public to share stories of their favourite One Championship athlete, and how they have helped their community.

Additionally, MMA gym Evolve will award scholarships to deserving youths who wish to pursue their dream of becoming a world champion in martial arts, said Chatri.

The pool of candidates will be selected from youth and amateur MMA organisations around the world.

Chatri called for applicants under 18 to submit an essay to

Victoria.Lee@evolve-mma.com

on why they are deserving of the Victoria Lee Scholarship, and why they wish to help continue her legacy.

One Championship will also celebrate Victoria Lee Day every Jan 13. That was the date

she was slated to fight in 2023.

Chatri said: “The Lee family and I kindly ask athletes and fans to show random acts of kindness every Jan 13 in honour of Victoria. Of course, we would love to hear stories every day if she inspired you to do something kind for others.”

Reposting Chatri’s announcement on her Facebook page on Thursday, Angela said: “Victoria, I promise to always keep your memory & spirit alive.

“I promise you sis, this is just the beginning. We will change the world, together.”

Victoria made her debut at One Championship’s Fists of Fury event at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in February 2021, three months shy of her 17th birthday. Then

she beat Thai fighter Sunisa Srisen

via a rear-naked choke before winning her next two fights, also through finishes.

Her last match was in September 2021, before she took a hiatus of over 15 months.

News of her death at age 18 shocked the MMA world and sparked an outpouring of grief.

At the time, Chatri said he was “heartbroken” by Victoria’s death, and that he would remember her “for the beautiful and precious soul that she was”.