Following its thrilling opening matches in April, Vietnam’s premier professional MMA tournament, LION Championship, returns for its 24th event at Tay Ho Stadium in Hanoi on July 12. The event will feature intense showdowns between Vietnamese athletes and opponents from China, Cambodia, and the United Kingdom.

This year’s LION Championship season consists of nine events taking place from April to December. Six are held in Hanoi, with the remaining three hosted in Ho Chi Minh City, Khanh Hoa, and An Giang provinces. The 24th event promises an especially high level of competitiveness, highlighted by the rare and exciting “MMA Duo” format – a two-versus-two showdown seldom seen in professional MMA arenas.

In addition to the Duo matches, the event will also feature individual MMA (Pro Fight) and Striking matches, offering a dynamic martial arts showcase for fans in the capital.

The action begins with three MMA Striking bouts, where fighters are restricted to stand-up techniques that require speed, power, and rapid decision-making. In the 56kg division, Tran Huy Hai faces Le Quang Tri, while Dinh Van Can meets Luu Huy Duc in the 65kg category. Another 56kg bout will see Vo Tien Dat challenge Ly Duol.

These fighters come from strong martial arts backgrounds such as Sanda and Muay Thai, ensuring high-speed exchanges to ignite the crowd’s excitement.

The main event of LION Championship 24 is a highly anticipated MMA Duo battle between Vietnamese pair Ha The Anh and Nguyen Thanh Thoan – nicknamed “Manh Long Dai Viet” – and Chinese fighters Truong Yen Long and Gia Dien Tan, known internationally as “Phong Hoa Son Lam.”

The Anh and Thoan are proven competitors on Vietnam’s kickboxing scene and have also gained MMA experience. Representing Raptor MMA Club, they were part of the first-ever winning Duo team at LION Championship 21.

Their Chinese counterparts boast over 30 fights each across Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and MMA disciplines. The pairing of technique, power, and competitive spirit from both sides is expected to produce a gripping contest, where victory will go only to the most resilient and synchronized duo.

Adding to the drama are two more Duo matches featuring Vietnamese fighters against Cambodians, a nation with a proud heritage in Kun Khmer – a fierce martial art closely related to Muay Thai.

Le Van Vu and Vo Minh Nghia will go head-to-head with Roem Kakada and Sot Seyha. Meanwhile, Phan Huy Hoang and Do Nguyen Minh Quyen will challenge Cambodian fighters Sry Sran and Khan Tit.

The Cambodian fighters are seen as unpredictable threats with rugged, experienced fighting styles honed on traditional circuits. Their clashes with Vietnam’s rising stars will be a true test of grit and tactical skill for the home team.

Beyond the Duo matches, LION Championship 24 also offers high-level MMA Pro bouts with international talent. Vietnamese fighter Pham Anh Duc, well-versed in Jiu-Jitsu, will take on Scotland’s Harry John Smith in a 65kg bout featuring elite grappling prowess. Both fighters are ground specialists, making this a cerebral clash of endurance and submission skill.

Another much-anticipated matchup is in the 56kg division between British fighter Liam Arnold and Bui Phong Son from MMA Xuan Bac Ninh Binh Club. Liam previously lost to Son’s teammate Bui Dinh Khai at LC 21, and this rematch offers a shot at redemption on Vietnamese soil.

In the 60kg class, crowd favorite Danh Quoc returns to action. Known for his fiery fighting style and charismatic persona, he’s been dubbed “Vietnam’s Conor McGregor.” He will battle Dinh Trung Hieu, a skilled striker known for his control and powerful finishes. Both are capable of delivering explosive knockouts, making this one of the night’s most unpredictable encounters.

LION Championship 24 is more than just an MMA event – it's a cultural and martial arts convergence between Vietnam and the international stage. With hard-hitting matchups, seasoned foreign fighters, and Vietnam’s emerging talent, the tournament is set to elevate Vietnamese MMA’s presence across the region and beyond.

Nhan Dan