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Just last week, Angela Lee became one of the highest earning female mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters in the world after signing a lucrative new ONE Championship contract.
According to ONE Championship chairman Chatri Sityodtong, the deal establishes Lee as one of the promotion's top five earners with a fight purse that puts her ahead of established female fighters like UFC champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Invicta FC champion Cristiane Justino.
He explained the decision to award Lee a massive pay rise as follows:
While he refused to divulge the exact figure, Chatri did reveal that the contract Lee signed was for in excess of the $110,000 "Cyborg" received for her most recent Invicta fight.
Yes, rumors are true. ONE Atomweight World Champion Angela Lee's new contract pays more than what Cris Cyborg or Joanna Jedrzejczyk make.
— Chatri Sityodtong (@YODCHATRI) May 12, 2016
There are very few sports which give women the opportunity to earn as much as their male counterparts but Lee told MMAmania.com that she's proud to be breaking through the so called glass ceiling.
"I'm very happy and grateful to be receiving the same treatment as the other world champions in ONE. I am so proud to be in an organization that embraces diversity, promotes equality, and exemplifies moral values. I hope that more organizations will look to follow in ONE Championship's footsteps."
She also took home a $50,000 performance bonus for her decision win over Mei Yamaguchi and says she already has plans for the money.
"My parents have always provided me with everything I needed and more. It makes me very happy to know that I will soon be able to help take care of my family and pay back my parents for everything that they have done for me."
The recent match with Yamaguchi was hailed as a potential "Fight of the Year" contender and Lee says she would be open to the possibility of a rematch.
"I know these questions always come up whenever fights end in a decision. That is why I always try to finish all of my fights. I respect Mei and if she wants a rematch I would gladly agree to it. I have no problem fighting her again."
Lee is still just 19 years old but already holds a major title and a 6-0 record. The Singaporean-Korean teenager has the MMA world at her feet and looks on track to join the elite group of fighters who have become millionaires as a result of their exploits and achievements inside the cage.
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