Luke “The Chef” Lessei

Born and raised in the quaint Midwestern town of Dubuque, Iowa, Luke “The Chef” Lessei has emerged as a rising star in the Muay Thai world.

From a young age, martial arts was woven into the fabric of his life. Lessei’s formative years were spent at Dubuque Martial Arts Group — his father’s esteemed gym.

It was within the walls of his patriarch’s training facility that Lessei was introduced to “the art of eight limbs.” Quickly rising through the ranks, he became the gym’s most promising striker, showcasing a natural talent that set him apart from his peers.

While Lessei balanced the rigors of high school and engaged in sports like cross-country and soccer, Muay Thai remained the core of his daily routine. Under his father’s strict guidance, he cultivated his skills, gradually realizing the extent of his potential.

In 2020, he made the pivotal decision to turn professional, marking the beginning of a new chapter. Enduring a challenging two years of training outside Dubuque away from his father’s direct influence, Lessei matured as a competitor.

This led him to being discovered by ONE Championship, where he is now a dominant force the featherweight Muay Thai division.