American MMA rising star Victoria “The Prodigy” Lee dies at the age of 18 with her ONE World Champion sister Angela, paying tribute to “the most beautiful girl inside and out”.
Rising MMA star Victoria Lee passed away last month at the age of 18, her family has confirmed. No cause of death was given.
Lee was one of the most promising mixed martial artists in the world and had earned the nickname “The Prodigy”.
The Hawaii native comes from a strong MMA pedigree with her sister Angela holding the ONE Championship World Atomweight title while her brother Christian is the ONE Lightweight Champion.
Rising MMA star Victoria Lee passed away last month at the age of 18, her family has confirmed
Lee’s sister confirmed in an Instagram post that she passed away on December 26.
Angela wrote: “On December 26, 2022, our family went through something no family should ever go through… It’s incredibly difficult to say… Our Victoria passed away.
“She left too soon and our family has been completely devastated ever since.
“We miss her … [m]ore than anything else in this world. Our family will never be the same. Life will never be the same again. Victoria was the most beautiful soul that ever lived. She was the best little sister in the world. The best daughter, granddaughter and godmother/aunt for Ava and Alia.
“We miss you so much, little sister. More than you could ever imagine. We’re all broken. Because there was a piece of you inside each of us, and when you left, those pieces were ripped out of us. We’ll never be the same again.
Lee’s sister Angela posted a photo of Victoria on Instagram and made an emotional statement
“Every little thing makes me think of you. From the rays of the sun to the sunset. You taught us to see the beauty in the simple things. You were our bright light. Our sunshine. And that will never change. You were perfect in every way. The best person I knew. The most beautiful girl, inside and out.
“We love you Victoria. i love you baby Until the end of time.’
Angela also asked for people to show “mercy and respect” to the family during a difficult time.
Lee had been tipped to join her siblings as world champion and had won her first three fights in ONE – the biggest MMA promotion in Asia.
Lee was advised to join her siblings as world champion, Angela (pictured), who holds the ONE Championship world atomicweight title, and brother Christian, the ONE lightweight champion
However, in 2022 she took time off from the sport to focus on her high school diploma.
ONE Chairman Chatri Sityodtong also paid tribute to Lee, sharing a Facebook post that read, “I first met Victoria when she was 11 years old. I’ve watched her blossom as a martial artist and person over the years.
“I always remember thinking how wise, thoughtful and selfless she was beyond her years. Of course she was an extraordinary martial arts prodigy even then, but I could see that she was so much more than that.
“Victoria had the purest heart of gold and a brilliant mind. She took care of others before herself. She wanted to use her life to help the world. I will always remember Victoria for the beautiful and precious soul she was.
ONE Chairman Chatri Sityodtong also paid tribute to Lee, sharing a Facebook post
Lee was also a world junior champion in pankration, the modern version of a form of ancient Greek wrestling.
She was reportedly closely involved in her siblings’ careers and thoughtfully baked them cakes after their wins.
Back in December, she claimed her brother’s recent world title was an inspiration to her.
“I’m so proud of my big brother,” she said. “Just being able to be in the gym and watch him grind and push so hard in all his workouts and see the fight and see him develop so beautifully.”