Angela Lee, the former ONE Championship women’s atomweight champion, has made it clear that she won’t be stepping back into the cage anytime soon. Instead, she is dedicating her time and efforts to advocating for mental health support in combat sports. Lee recently retired from MMA and has launched a non-profit organization called Fight Story to provide mental health services specifically tailored to the needs of athletes in combat sports.
Key Takeaway
Angela Lee has retired from MMA to focus on addressing the lack of mental health support in combat sports. Through her non-profit organization, Fight Story, she aims to provide much-needed mental health services specifically tailored to the needs of fighters. Lee’s personal experiences and the tragic loss of her sister have inspired her to take action and advocate for proactive mental health care in the combat sports community.
A Tragic Inspiration
Lee’s decision to prioritize mental health comes from a deeply personal place. In 2022, her younger sister and fellow MMA fighter, Victoria Lee, tragically took her own life. This devastating loss had a profound impact on Angela, leading her to reflect on her own struggles. In 2017, she had attempted suicide by purposely crashing her car. The challenges of dealing with her sister’s death and her own experiences prompted Angela to take action.
A Proactive Approach
With the establishment of Fight Story, Angela Lee aims to fill a significant void in the combat sports community. She recognizes that mental health resources and support for athletes in combat sports are almost non-existent. Stress and pressure are ubiquitous in MMA, and fighters deserve access to appropriate mental health services just like athletes in other sports. Lee wants to bring this issue to the forefront and provide programs that can help combat sports athletes proactively take care of their mental and physical well-being.
Fight Story’s Initiatives
Lee and her team have big plans for Fight Story. They are actively working on implementing various programs and initiatives to support mental health in the combat sports community. While specific details are yet to be revealed, Lee’s passion for the cause and commitment to making a difference are evident.
Community Support and Events
Since the launch of Fight Story, several fighters have reached out to Angela Lee, expressing their interest in supporting the organization’s mission. To further raise awareness and gather support, Fight Story will be hosting two significant events. The first is a kickoff party scheduled for December 3 in Hawaii. The second event is yet to be announced but is expected to generate further momentum and engage the community in discussions surrounding mental health in combat sports.
Remembering Victoria
For Angela Lee, Fight Story is more than just an organization—it’s a way to keep the memory of her sister alive. Lee feels a deep connection to Victoria and believes that working on this cause together honors her sister’s legacy. She sees Fight Story as a way to continue the bond they shared and make a meaningful impact on the combat sports community.
