ONE Championship: Angela Lee ‘thought Ritu Phogat won’ against Bi Nguyen

Atomweight champ admits ‘the whole thing was a bit confusing’ after Phogat’s removal from grand prix following split decision loss

‘Given that Bi won the decision, I would’ve thought she took her place in the grand prix. But who knows?,’ Lee says

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Bi Nguyen celebrates after her arm is raised in victory as Ritu Pogat looks on astonished. Photo: Dux Carvajal/ONE Championship

Published: 1:58pm, 24 Jun 2021Updated: 1:58pm, 24 Jun 2021

Ritu Phogat certainly felt she did enough to beat Bi Nguyen at ONE Championship’s Dangal event in Singapore, and atomweight champion Angela Lee agrees with her.

Bi Nguyen’s split decision win against “The Indian Tigress” caused plenty of controversy last month, and “Killer Bee” was sent death threats online and messages saying she “cheated”.

The decision caused plenty of confusion as well when it came to ONE’s atomweight grand prix, as former national wrestling champion Phogat (4-1) lost her place in the tournament, which was set to kick off on May 28 before being postponed.

“I think the whole thing was just a bit confusing,” Lee told SCMP MMA. “I was surprised to see Ritu fighting so soon, when I knew that the atomweight grand prix was supposed to have their first round [in May].

“I did watch the fight and in my opinion I thought Ritu won. But given that Bi won the decision, I would’ve thought she took her place in the grand prix. But who knows? I have no idea.”

Phogat was instead replaced by Brazilian newcomer Julie Mezabarba (8-2-1), who is set to face China’s Meng Bo (17-5) in the quarter-finals of the tournament. But Lee thinks “The Indian Tigress” could yet end up in the tournament.