Teen MMA phenom Adrian Lee finds inspiration in teenage sweetheart

Adrian Lee doesn’t have to look too far for inspiration when he gears up for his next assignment.

The 18-year-old rising star reports for duty at ONE 168: Denver on September 6. There, he takes on Nico Cornejo in a lightweight MMA bout, airing live from the 21,000-seat Ball Arena. 

Amid the rigorous training sessions and mental preparations, it’s not just the prospect of victory that drives Lee. His motivation comes from someone much closer to home — his high school girlfriend, Ava.

“Me and my girlfriend, we met a few years ago in high school and we’d been friends, and we just started dating a year ago,” he said. “It means a lot to me, and it gives me another reason why I want to get to the top, and I’m grateful to have her by my side.”

According to the young fighter, it was he who initiated their first date. It was a moment that marked the beginning of a relationship that has grown stronger with time.

Ava, the valedictorian of their class, is a star student with intelligence that Lee playfully acknowledges he lacks.

Despite his lighthearted self-assessment, there’s no denying the impact Ava has had on him, both inside and outside the Circle.

“We’re close. Yeah, I mean, we do occasionally joke around. And it’s fun that she’s also training at the gym. So you know, it’s just like friendly banter,” Lee said.

MMA is a demanding sport that requires immense physical and mental fortitude. For Lee, balancing his career with his personal life has accelerated his maturity.

“I think that the maturity that MMA brings me definitely has helped evolve and shape me as a person and definitely helps me have an open mind and understand things better,” he said.

Adrian Lee thankful for girlfriend’s support

The long hours of training and the constant pursuit of excellence can be overwhelming for a promising athlete like Adrian Lee.

Yet, having Ava by his side has provided him with a sense of stability and understanding that many are not fortunate to have.

“I’m very grateful to have her because she’s very supportive, and she understands the fight game and what it takes to get into it,” Lee said. “She understands the balance and why sometimes I have to put more into MMA or the other way around.”