“It’s a bummer that this is just happening, but that’s the story of what’s been going on since 2020 and Covid, it’s just pushing everything back,” ONE atomweight champion Lee told SCMP MMA.

“I was very excited to see the first round as well. But I think ONE Championship always find a way and when they are able to put on that event it’s gonna be very exciting, just because the anticipation has grown so much.

“I think it’s gonna be even better now. You have to make people wait that much longer, so they’re even more excited for it.”

Angela Lee says ‘little beast’ Adrian, 15, could be next sibling in ONE

The Asian promotion’s official website has no listing for ONE: Empower, with ONE: 139 the next card set for July 9 in Singapore, and Lee said she had not been given any updates.

“I think it’s hard right just because different countries have different restrictions and it’s constantly changing. Hopefully fingers crossed it happens within the next month or so, but I will be eagerly waiting as well,” she added.

Lee admitted the delay will give her more time to get into fight shape, having originally been set to defend her title in November, with the grand prix supposed to finish in September.

“Yes it does, but I’m not banking on it,” she said. “I’m not sure how fast this grand prix is gonna wrap up. I just know I’m gonna be focusing on me and my journey back, and my goal is to be in fight shape by the end of the year.

“My job is to just stay ready. I’m taking it one day at a time. I know I don’t fight until there is a winner of the grand prix, so I am gonna be keeping my eye on that.”

Lee has begun that process this month, hitting the mats at the family’s United MMA gym in Hawaii with her father and coach Ken Lee, husband Bruno Pucci, and her brother Christian Lee – ONE’s lightweight champion – as well as younger siblings Victoria Lee, 16, and Adrian Lee, 15.

“Oh man, it feels great to be back but it’s definitely been a long time, so I am feeling sore,” Lee said. “I’m just trying to take it day by day, one step at a time and enjoying the process.

“I wouldn’t say it’s getting easier, just because I’ve been out for so long and my body is just not used to it. I’ve had a similar feeling when I would be out for a while vacationing and then having to get back into fight camp.

“I know to expect the first week or two I’m gonna be sore. But this is not a couple of months, I’ve been out for almost a year now, so definitely my body has some catching up to do.”