Andrea "KGB" Lee



Andrea "KGB" Lee is a fighter I'm sure most of the fans who follow the sport closely have heard of. Andrea is on the brink of making her professional debut in the very near future after amassing an 8-3 amatuer MMA record (27-5 overall in Muay Thai, Boxing, and MMA combined). Known for her country-girl antics and the famous cow(girl) hat, she promises to continue to bring the pain as she pursues her career as an MMA fighter and lays on some wise words for the up and comers: "Before you call yourself an MMA fighter, first, make sure you've been training longer than a week and make sure it's really in your heart. This sport takes a rare person. Not everyone is cut out for it."

All Images Courtesy of : Mike "The Truth" Jackson

Early Life:

Tell us a bit about yourself, where did you grow up and what was life like growing up? (Family, school, friends)

I grew up in the small town of Atlanta, TX. I was very much a tomboy growing up. Always preferring to play football with the boys rather than do girl things. I have an older sister, Cassie, two older brothers Greg and Chris and a younger brother Jacque; and of course a mom (Cheryl Taylor) and dad (Kent Lee). I graduated from Queen City High School where I played volleyball and was a competitive power lifter. Soon after I graduated, I moved 1 hour south to "The big city" of Shreveport, La.

Were you involved in any sports as a youth in or outside of school?

I played volleyball and was a competitive power lifter in high school.

What is your favorite child-hood memory?

As a child my fondest memories are camping with my family and roping and riding the goats in our pasture. (lol). Yep, I'm a real life goat roper! Lmao.

Any interesting child-hood stories and/or fun facts?

My youngest brother is about 2 years younger than me. Being the rough and tumble tomboy that I was, I always seemed to be hurting him. On one occasion we were playing a late evening tackle football game. I was the linebacker and Jacque was the receiver. When he came over the middle to catch the ball, I tackled him into a pole and knocked his tooth out. (lol).

Getting involved in MMA:

How did you get involved?

Shortly after moving to Shreveport I was waiting tables at Buffalo Wild Wings. They showed MMA fights there often. I was intrigued and wanted to give it a try. My coworkers suggested that I find Donny Aaron at Karate Mafia MMA so I did.



What discipline did you begin training?

Boxing

At what point did you know you were ready to step in the cage for the first time?

Donny recognized talent in me early on and pushed me to compete. My first competitive came in the 2010 Louisiana State Golden Gloves Championships. Mind you that I'd only been training for 6 months yet I still found myself making the finals in the state championship against a girl with years of training and 10 fights. In that match I got dropped with a straight right hand because I was off balance. I was more embarrassed and pissed off than hurt and after I took my standing 8 I went on to knock her out in the second round making me the Golden Gloves Champion with only six months training. That's when I knew I was good enough to compete.

When the cage locked behind you in your first fight, can you recall what what through your mind? How did your first fight turn out?

I stepped into the cage for the first time against the Tx women's Mma fighter of the year, 4-0 Jade DeHaas.

So I had my hands full in my debut. We battled three tough rounds and I lost a very close split decision. I still think I won that fight and so did 1000 booing fans.

What are 3 things you've learned while being involved in this sport?

This sport has taught me many things, but none more important than work ethic. I look at how some fighters train and diet and I just shake my head. Some of these fighters have all the talent in the world but will never make it to the big stage because their lifestyle does not match their dream. Hard work beats superior talent when that talent doesn't work hard.

Current:

What gym are you currently fighting out of?

I train at Karate Mafia/ Relson Gracie BJJ of Bossier City. I married my coach, Donny Aaron, and together we run our gym.

What is your current record (ammy/pro) and at what weight?

My record is 8-3 MMA, 9-2 boxing and 10-0 Muay Thai. 27-5 overall. I'm entering the pros coming off an 11 fight win-streak between the combined disciplines.

Do you currently have a nickname in this sport? If so, what is it and why?

They call me KGB because they say I look like a Russian chick. When we were fighting at the WKA Noth American Championships, a Russian coach came up to Donny and in his thick Russian accent asked if I was Russian because of the big KGB patch with the Russian sickle and hammer on my Thai trunks. Donny said no so then he asked if Donny was Russian. Again he said no so the guy got irritated and said "then Why KGB"? Donny said "man, because she looks like a Russian broad". He looked me up and down and said in a most stoic tone, "she does" then he walked away. We've laughed about that a lot. Even the Russians think I look Russian.

If you could improve one aspect of your game, what would it be and why?

I am a world champion in Muay Thai, and a national Golden Gloves Boxing Champion. I'm also a very decorated BJJ blue belt winning a national and world title as a blue belt. However, recently I have fallen in love with wrestling. If I have to choose between two practices and one of my options is wrestling practice, I'm dropping everything to wrestle. I absolutely love it and I know how important that aspect is in my success at the highest level.

What is your most memorable experience as an MMA fighter?

My proudest accomplishment is being the first fighter to win the Muay Thai Triple Crown. The WKA, the TBA and the IKF in the same year. My most memorable fight was my last Mma fight against Val Aspaas. It was in my hometown for the Legacy Flyweight title. She brought it man. We battled hard for three rounds. At the end she needed took 7 or 8 stitches above her eyebrow from a knee. But it was the gut check I wanted because she never slowed down. We got fight of the night honors.

Any interesting stories to share or learning experiences whilst fighting you would like to share?

I went to NY to fight earlier this year and that was quite an experience. I felt like an alien with my cowboy hat and all. But I did meet Calie Cutler and James Gray from SFS on that trip and we've developed a strong training relationship with Calie and Amanda Cooper through that encounter so that trip to the moon ended up being worth it! Oh and I got the win, too. (lol) So did Cali!

If you could offer one bit of advice to an aspiring fighter what would it be?

I think young people often get involved in MMA for the wrong reasons. There are many good reasons to train. But if you are doing it to be cool or to impress your friends then you'll never make it. Before you call yourself an MMA fighter, first, make sure you've been training longer than a week and make sure it's really in your heart. This sport takes a rare person. Not everyone is cut out for it.

Would you like to give a shout out to any sponsors individuals who have supported you?

I'd have never made it this far without people and sponsors who love and believe in me. I'd like to thank Stacy and Shawn Howell, Michael and Susie McGehee, Derek Eason, Lee's Heating Air and Electric, Classic Stone, Golden Lotus Tattoo shop, Martial Arts Life, Champion Nutrition, Pro 27 athletics, Amber Elite, X-Ion-X energy bands and Mma RoadHog. Follow me on twitter Andrealeeaaron or on Facebook by searching my fan page Andrea KGB Lee.

Future:

What are your goals for the future in the sport?

My immediate goal is to win the XFC's flyweight title. I also want to simultaneously win a pro world Muay Thai title. If the UFC ever opens up the flyweight division id like to find myself in a position to be one of the first flyweights chosen.

What are your thoughts on the current state of the sport and where it's headed?

I think MMA is growing at such a rate that the sport has not even seen it's best days. I am a little concerned with the women's side of the sport. I remember when women's boxing was hot for a short spell and then all of a sudden, nothing. I pray that wmma has lasting power that women's boxing did not.

If you could change one thing in the sport, what would it be?

If I could change one thing I wish they'd bring back soccer kicks/ head stomps and knees to the head of a grounded opponent. Sounds brutal, I know, but I think it was more pure in those days.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

10 years from now I see myself winding down my career. I think I can make a successful 10 year career and with a lot of hard work I can win titles and hopefully build up some sort of retirement plan. It'd be nice to be a 35 year old who had nothing else to do but teach Jiu jitsu and Muay Thai, in Hawaii. (lol)

Fun Facts:

Favorite Food/Dish:

Sushi

Favorite type of Music:

Country and Classic Rock

Favorite Movie:

The Karate Kid, the original version.

Favorite TV Show:

Vikings and Revenge

Favorite Quote:

"Fighting solves everything". — Stevie Dement

Do you have any children? Do you plan on having any/more?

Donny and I have a 3 year old daughter. She will be an only child. (lol)

Best day of your life:

The day my daughter was born and the day I got married.

Interesting/Unknown Fact about yourself:

I'm really a sweet person and I've never been in a fight. (Outside the ring/ cage)

Favorite Hobbies:

With a schedule like mine there is no time for hobbies. 60 hrs a week training plus a 3 year old to keep up with leaves me with little time for myself. On the rare occasion I get a day off or a short vacation, I love the beach and the lake. Even sitting poolside somewhere is as close to a hobby as I can muster.

Who is your favorite super hero and why?

Wolverine. I love his attitude.

Contact:

Facebook Page/Fan Page: Andrea KGB Lee

Twitter: @andrealeeaaron

Instagram: Andrealeeaaron

Manager Contact (for sponsorship/fight inquiries): Donny Aaron (318-453-3730) and Kelly Carson. Both are on Facebook

Email Address: Karatemafia@yahoo

About Mike "The Truth" Jackson Photography/MikeTheTruth.com

MikeTheTruth.com is a website that not only gives you an insight into the mind of Mike "The Truth" Jackson, but is also your source for all things Houston MMA. Having been involved in the Houston MMA scene in multiple capacities, Mike Jackson has developed a large following as a fighter and personality. MikeTheTruth.com has several contributors to the site, including photographers and videographers.

Follow Mike "The Truth" Jackson at @TheTruthJackson on Twitter.