Lesson learned, Angela Lee looks to retain ONE atomweight title

The ONE Women’s Atomweight World Championship showdown at ONE: Century in Tokyo, Japan this 13 October will definitely be an amazing event, as Angela Lee will be defending her title against ONE Women’s Strawweight World Champion Xiong Jing Nan.

Currently on a two-game losing streak, the Singaporean sensation admitted that the previous bouts have taught her valuable lessons and made her realize a lot of things.

“I’ve taken a step back and collected myself after two tough bouts. They’ve taught me lessons and helped me realize a lot of things about myself as a fighter.

"With the help of my family, my Dad, and my team, I’ve worked extremely hard in improving my game," said the 23-year-old martial artist.

Nevertheless, Lee who holds a 9-2 record, is now confident that she has found the winning formula against 'The Panda'.

For the record, this will be the second meeting for Lee and Xiong, but this time it's Xiong who will be entering Lee's 'turf' at the atomweight division.

"Xiong Jing Nan is a worthy champion, but she’s coming into the atomweight division where I am strongest.

"Make no mistake about it, I’m looking to end matters dramatically within the distance and successfully retain my ONE Women’s Atomweight World Championship,” said Lee.

Meanwhile, Xiong described her fight with Lee as the biggest and toughest bout of her career.

Still, the 31-year-old from China with a 14-1 record and a nine-game winning streak is optimistic to return home as a two-division world champion.

“This is the biggest bout of my career. I was able to hold the fort down at strawweight, but now it’s time to lay siege onto the atomweight world title," said Xiong.

"She is a great champion. To be able to compete against her is an honour. But I am coming for that belt. At the end of the night, I fully expect to have my hands raised in victory."

In their previous encounter which was also held in Tokyo, Xiong retained her ONE Women’s Strawweight title after defeating Lee by TKO in the fifth and final round.

Xiong punished Lee with hard kicks to the midsection and fierce punch combinations that forced the referee to intervene and award Xiong with the stoppage win.