MMA Prodigy Korean-Canadian Victoria Lee Dies at 18

Victoria Lee during her lifetime / Photo by Victoria Lee Instagram capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Noh Kyung-jo] Victoria Lee, known as a prodigy in the mixed martial arts world, passed away at the age of 18.

According to a CNN report on the 9th (local time), Victoria's sister Angela Lee announced on Instagram on the 7th that Victoria had died on the 26th of last month. Victoria was an Asian American born to a Korean-Canadian mother and a Chinese-Singaporean father.

Angela said, "Victoria left us too soon. Our family has been completely devastated since her death," adding, "Our family will never be the same again. Life will not be as it was before."

Victoria was the youngest athlete ever to sign with the mixed martial arts organization 'ONE Championship' at the age of 16. She was active in her hometown of Hawaii and earned titles such as 'Hawaii Pankration Junior World Champion,' 'Hawaii State Wrestling Champion,' and 'IMMAF Junior Champion.'

In September last year, she gained attention by defeating Brazilian fighter Victoria Souza by TKO, and had since paused her activities to graduate from high school.

ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong mourned Victoria's death on Facebook, saying, "I have watched Victoria grow as a fighter and as a person since she was 11 years old. She was an extraordinary martial arts prodigy, but she had something beyond that."