Jeong Yeong Lee may not be a household name yet, but ‘The Korean Tiger’ is working his way up the featherweight division with precision, power, and a string of quick finishes. Fans are anticipating a great clash of styles when he faces Daniel Santos at UFC 315 on May 10, 2025. Santos applies relentless pressure, while Lee thrives on precise accuracy and well-calculated control.
But, before the Octagon doors close in Montreal, let’s go outside the cage to learn more about the man behind the fierce nickname. Who is Jeong Yeon Lee? Where does he come from? And what lies at the heart of the fighter who wants to rebound and rise again? Without further ado, let’s find out!
What is Jeong Yeong Lee’s ethnicity and nationality?
Jeong Yeong Lee is proudly South Korean, both in nationality and ethnicity. Born on September 7, 1996, he represents not only a country but also a ferocious fighting culture that is on the rise in the worldwide MMA scene. Lee, also known as ‘The Korean Tiger,’ fights out of and trains in Daegu, South Korea, and has worked his way up via the local fight scene and international events.
Lee’s ethnicity is Korean. His upbringing, training, and entire experience with Road FC and the Road to UFC event indicate a strong connection to his nation. While many fighters seek training camps abroad, Lee has remained faithful to his home base in South Korea, cultivating a dynamic blend of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and striking under his country’s flag.
His career began in Road FC, where he won and defended the featherweight belt in dramatic style. From a 10-second knockout of opponent Ha Jin Park to surprising finishes in the Road to UFC tournament, ‘The Korean Tiger’ made a strong case for his UFC debut. And once he arrived, he wasted little time in picking up victories, including a close split decision over Yi Zha and a clean win over Blake Bilder. Now, with UFC 315 approaching, he’s fighting not just for a victory but also for redemption following a brutal loss to Hyder Amil in 2024.
Which religion does Jeong Yeong Lee follow?
Jeong Yeong Lee prefers to keep his religious beliefs away from the public eye. He has not talked publicly about his personal beliefs, and his social media presence does not indicate a specific religious affiliation. Lee was born and raised in South Korea, which has a diverse religious landscape. Christianity is the most generally practiced religion, with over 32% of the population identifying as Christian (24% Protestant, 7.6% Catholic). Buddhism also has a substantial presence, accounting for approximately 24% of the population. Many others follow traditional Korean spiritual practices or are not religious at all.
Given this cultural setting, Lee may identify with one of these faiths. However, without a direct statement, his religion remains one of the most private, secret areas of his life. What we do know is that Jeong Yeong Lee fights with passion, precision, and a sense of purpose. Whether it’s founded in faith, culture, or personal motivation, fans will see more of that fire when he enters the Octagon at UFC 315. What do you think? Will ‘The Korean Tiger’ roar back to victory? Let us know in the comments.
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