An up-and-coming fighter died at age 18, and the combat sports industry is in mourning

• Rising MMA prospect Victoria Lee died at the age of 18 in December.
• Her older sister and fellow fighter Angela Lee confirmed the news Sunday on Instagram.

Rising combat sports prospect Victoria Lee died in December at age 18, her sister and fellow MMA fighter Angela Lee said Sunday on Instagram.

"On December 26, 2022, our family experienced something no family should ever have to go through," Angela said. "It is incredibly difficult to say this... Our Victoria passed away."

Victoria Lee, an American who had achieved a purple belt rank in Brazilian jiu jitsu and displayed skills in Muay Thai and taekwondo, made headlines in 2020 when she, at 16 years old, signed pro terms with One Championship.

One Championship founder and boss Chatri Sityodtong said at the time that Lee was a prodigy, and one to watch in elite combat sports.

"Victoria also happens to be the younger sister of One atomweight world champion Angela Lee and One lightweight champion Christian Lee," Sityodtong said at the time.

"It might be impossible to believe, but Victoria is already better than Angela was at the same age."

Lee made her pro MMA debut in 2021 and won three fights — all by finish — that year.

'She was the best little sister in the world'

"Victoria was the most beautiful soul who ever lived," Angela said on Instagram. "She was the best little sister in the world.

Angela said the entire Lee family is "broken" because "a piece of you was in each of us and when you left, those pieces were ripped out of us. We will never be the same."

She continued: "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."

MMA boss Chatri Sityodtong: 'I am heartbroken'

One Championship boss Sityodtong also issued a statement saying he was grieving.

"I am heartbroken by Victoria Lee's passing," Sityodtong wrote on Facebook.

"I first met Victoria when she was 11 years old. I watched her blossom over the years as a martial artist and a human being.

"I always remember thinking how wise, thoughtful, and selfless she was beyond her years. Of course, she was an extraordinary martial arts prodigy even back 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 looked after others before herself. She wanted to use her life to help the world.

"I will always remember Victoria for the beautiful and precious soul that she was. May you rest in peace, Victoria. We will all miss you."

Lee was due to compete at the upcoming One Fight Night 6 event on January 14 at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand. No change to the status of that event has been announced.