Two-division ONE MMA World Champion Christian Lee navigates a demanding schedule that would overwhelm most people as he prepares to defend his lightweight title against Alibeg Rasulov at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, November 16, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
The 27-year-old Singaporean-American manages responsibilities as a father of three with a fourth child on the way, owner and head coach of Prodigy Training Center in Waipahu, Hawaii, and reigning champion across two weight classes in ONE Championship.
Lee's life has shifted dramatically since the tragic passing of his younger sister Victoria in 2022, leading him to focus on building his own family with his high school sweetheart Katie Allison. The couple now prepares to welcome their fourth child, another boy to join their daughter and two sons.
"For me, family is everything. My wife and I have three kids, and I've got a fourth baby on the way. They've been keeping us busy, keeping us on our toes," Lee said. "It worked out great because I met my wife really early on, and then she wanted the same thing, so we always wanted a big family."
The chaos of managing three young children while training for a world title defense creates a demanding schedule, though Lee finds fulfillment in the structure it provides. His days start before dawn with personal training sessions to maintain form, followed by afternoon coaching duties at the gym where he guides other fighters including his younger brother Adrian Lee.
The relentless pace leaves little room for downtime between training, teaching classes, and family responsibilities. Lee acknowledges the challenge while embracing every aspect of his current life.
"Definitely, it's hard, but it's so rewarding. There's also not much time in the day to stop and think about stuff, either. It definitely keeps me busy all day long, but I wouldn't ask for any other way," Lee said.
Lee credits his wife Katie for making the demanding lifestyle sustainable through her management of their home and support with the gym operations. The partnership allows him to balance athletic performance with the responsibilities that have taken priority since his sister's death.
"Thankfully, my wife is so supportive. She's on the same page. Having that teamwork is really essential when dealing with the three kids. She helps me run the gym as well," Lee said.
His rematch with Rasulov stems from their December encounter that ended in a no contest due to an accidental eye poke, with Lee controlling the action before the stoppage. The opportunity to settle their unfinished business provides clear focus during training camp while his larger purpose remains constant.
"That's my whole life, really, is taking care of them, spending time with them. And now that I'm in camp, of course, it's the training that's the focus," Lee said. "I'm grateful for what I have. I can't complain. I'm trying to set up the future for my family."
