Adrian Lee has one goal for pro debut at ONE 167

Rather than feeling the weight of expectation in coming from a high-profile family, the decorated amateur is taking confidence from their advice and the wealth of experience he already has in his locker.

Adrian Lee will make his professional MMA debut on June 7, in a graphic posted by ONE Championship on Instagram. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

There’s always going to be a high level of anticipation when a member of the famous Lee family steps into the Circle, but ONE’s newest recruit Adrian Lee is taking it in his stride.

The 18-year-old will make his professional mixed martial arts debut on the global stage at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II on Prime Video, but he’s been working his whole life for this moment and feels ready for the step up in U.S. primetime on June 7.

Backed by his World Champion siblings Christian “The Warrior” Lee and “Unstoppable” Angela Lee, the youngest brother will take on Antonio Mammarella in a lightweight MMA clash at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

Rather than feeling the weight of expectation in coming from a high-profile family, decorated amateur Lee is taking confidence from their advice and the wealth of experience he already has in his locker.

“Of course, all the competition that I’ve had previous to this are all things that will help me handle the pressure. But, I just believe in my training and when the time comes, I’ll be ready for it," he said. “For the interviews, I’m practicing with my family and I’m getting my advice from them too, so I’ll be ready.”

Lee has captured local titles in MMA, wrestling, kickboxing, and grappling, as well as international gold in pankration, so there’s no doubt his skill set will be ready on June 7.

However, with his family known for their highlight-reel stoppages and high finishing rates, fans might expect more of the same when the teenager competes in the world’s largest martial arts organization.

For Lee, it all comes down to his preparation and translating it into the Circle, but there’s no goal other than decisive victory.

“During this camp, we’ve been practically focused on everything, but the main thing we’ve been focused on is just how to get the job finished as soon as possible," he said. “I’m not really too focused on getting these highlights or all that media stuff, just the fastest way to get it done.”

Lee wants first-round finish against Antonio Mammarella

Lee’s pro debut comes against a tough rival in Antonio Mammarella, another experienced amateur athlete who got his pro career off to a good start with a second-round stoppage last December.

However, despite acknowledging the Family Fight Team man as a worthy rival, Lee still plans on taking him out inside a round.

“I got a chance to watch [his pro debut] fight. He was pretty decent in striking and wrestling, and I think those would probably be his strengths," Lee said.

“Of course, the ideal scenario would first off just be to finish as fast as possible in round one, either by TKO or submission, whatever comes first.

“However, my main goal is just to get out there, win, and finish.”

With so many eyes set on viewing ONE 167 live in U.S. primetime, Lee’s popularity could skyrocket with a win in the night’s opening contest.

Looking to stay busy, the rising American star hopes he can get a quick turnaround to keep his momentum going.

With his older brother Christian Lee, the reigning ONE Lightweight and Welterweight MMA World Champion, also on the comeback trail, the youngest sibling would love to help build up some interest for ONE’s first foray into their home in Hawaii.

“After this fight, I plan on being very frequent, hopefully getting in another one or two fights this year and a few fights next year," he said.

“I think it’s great that ONE is coming over to the U.S. again, and I’m excited to see how they’re going to do.

“I would love to compete on a show in Hawaii. I don’t know if ONE will ever be able to come to Hawaii, but if so, I’d love to be able to compete in front of my friends and family.”

BY JAY FURNESS [kjdsports@joongang.co.kr]