Phạm Văn Nam of Việt Nam (left) and Roman Kokurkin of Russia will be be featured in the main bout of the MFC on November 25 in HCM City. Photo of MCV Group

HCM CITY — A tournament entitled “Master of Fights Championship” will be a new playing ground for national martial artists and entertain supporters, with a new format and thrilling experience.

The event (MFC), jointly organised by the MCV Group and the Việt Nam Mixed Martial Arts Joint Stock Company (VIMMA), is scheduled to be held every three months in HCM City. 

There will be from seven to eight matches every event in which local and international athletes will be invited to fight under the message of "Glory to the Brave Warriors".

Athletes will compete in three different martial art genres of mixed martial arts, Muay Thai, and kickboxing. 

According to organisers, MFC targets to be a combination of a professional sport competition and attractive entertainment experience. It is a stage where talented fighters can show off their skills and strength, and at the same time bring joy and excitement to supporters.

“MFC has a completely new format that not only follows the usual style seen in Việt Nam, but is also a martial art event for a diverse audience," said Đỗ Duy Anh, representative of the organising committee

"The competition content not only revolves around MMA but also Muay Thai and kickboxing.

"It is difficult to organise such a diverse-content event. However, we have had very strong support from the Việt Nam Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the HCM City's Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, and the Department of Culture and Sports.

"The first event will be held on November 25 at the MCV Complex with a capacity of about 500 spectators. Besides, outside the competition area, additional entertainment activities will be organised," Anh said.

The MFC is also expected to create positive interaction among martial arts fans in general and the young generation, GenZ in particular. The young people are expected to be inspired to take part in martial arts and sports in general when they watch in person the noble competitive spirit of professional fighters at the MFC.

As planned, the first MFC will feature competitors from famed national clubs such as No 1 Muay Club, LSC, Warrior MMA, Phú Thọ Muay - Kickboxing Academy, Art Fight Muay Thai Gym and Long Xuyên Fight Club, along with foreign contenders.

Organisers announce the “Master of Fights Championship”, a combined martial arts event, in HCM City in a recent press briefing.

The main draw will be a bout between the two-time national LION Championship winner Phạm Văn Nam and powerful Russian Roman Kokurkin in the 60kg class.

Kokurkin has earned a number of impressive achievements in his career. He took medals in different martial art styles of sambo, wrestling, boxing and jujitsu.

"His jujitsu skills are quite good, but to fight MMA is not only about jujitsu but also many other factors, and I am confident that I am able to defeat him. I am 100 per cent confident in my victory," said Nam.

He also sent a challenge to his rival as saying: “Be careful with me, I will use both striking and grappling to fight you."

In responce, Kokurkin said he knew Nam was the LION Champion and he researched the Vietnamese carefully. He also spent months in hard practice in preparation for the meet. He expected to have a thrilling bout against Nam.

In addition to the aggressive fights, there is an attractive reality TV series called "Road show MFC". The four-episode show portrays the training and preparation process of martial artists; and their dream of becoming martial art masters, broadcasting on MCV Network. VNS