Mixed martial arts 

Lê Văn Tuần (left) knocks out Phạm Văn Nam to earn the LION Championship belt in the men's 56kg category. Photos courtesy of VMMAF

HÀ NỘI — Lê Văn Tuần gave an impressive performance to become the new king of the men's 56kg category at the 23rd LION Championship mixed martial arts tournament (LC23) on June 14 in Hà Nội.

He challenged the reigning champion Phạm Văn Nam, who had promised to send Tuần home in an ambulance in their face-off a day earlier, for the belt at the Tây Hồ Gymnasium.

Nam, from team Agoge, was a tough competitor thanks to his background in different martial arts, which he practised as a member of the national team. Meanwhile Tuần, of C88 Martial Art Fitness & Yoga Centre, was famous for the talent that helped him came close to beating seven-time world Muay Thai champion Nguyễn Trần Duy Nhất three years ago.

Nam launched strong attacks from the beginning, forcing Tuần to the corner of the octagon. Both fighters then traded a series of head and body shots.

But a surprise move from Tuần — landing a sudden kick on Nam's head — was followed by a heavy punch, overwhelming the champion, who collapsed.

Tuần quickly followed him to the ground and pounded him with dozens of head shots and elbows, while Nam was unable to defend himself.

The referee announced a technical knockout and awarded Tuần the prestigious belt.

Lê Văn Tuần celebrates with his crew after winning.

Meanwhile, Nam's dream of keeping his belt permanently was lost after less than two nightmare minutes in the cage.

"I didn't think I would earn this win in such a surprising way," Tuần told reporters after the match.

"Previously, I thought I would have to fight at least three rounds, but it happened so quickly. I'm happy with my title. A big thank you to my coaches, teammates and friends who strongly supported me and prepared for the match with me."

When asked about a potential title fight against the 60kg reigning champion Trần Ngọc Lượng, Tuần said he was always ready for any fight.

"Yes, if the organisers arrange such a match I will practise hard and hope to see everybody in July," said Tuần, who nearly missed his chance to take the belt because he was overweight by 0.6kg at the first weigh-in session -- but he successfully made the cutoff one hour later.

In the other main card fight, the experienced Trần Trọng Kim proved his excellent striking skills by beating the young and talented Bùi Đình Khải in the men's 56kg class.

Trần Trọng Kim takes Bùi Đình Khải down in the men's 56kg class.

Khải tried to bring his physical strength into play with a storm of attacks against Kim. However, the tactic failed, as Kim successfully avoided and countered with heavy kicks and accurate elbows. He received a TKO win near the end of the third round.

In other matches, Đinh Văn Hương of Việt Nam won with a TKO over Jhaymie Gayman of the Philippines in the men's 56kg class, just seconds after the second round began.

Russian Adel Iabbarov earned another win with a submission defeat of Vietnamese Phạm Kim Quốc Huy after a rear-naked-choke in the men's 65kg category.

Bùi Văn Hùng suffered through a strong ground and pound before escaping and knocking out Lê Quang Minh in another men's 65kg match.

Nguyễn Văn Lâm floored Trần Quang Khải earlier than expected in the first round of their men's 65kg fight.

Nguyễn Phú Thịnh also ended his match within the first round, putting a stop to Huỳnh Ngọc Tín's unbeaten streak in the LION Championship with an irresistible ground and pound in the men's 56kg.

Karina Veis of Russia comes from behind to beat Đào Thị Như Quỳnh of Việt Nam.

In the only female 52kg class fight, Karina Veis of Russia seized her chance when her rival Đào Thị Như Quỳnh lost her concentration, attacking and securing a TKO win.

The next event of the nation's largest MMA series will be held on July 12, also in Hà Nội. VNS