Mixed martial arts

Potential fighter Trịnh Xuân Anh (left) will return to the ring of the LION Championship MMA competition this weekend in Hà Nội. Photo of organisers

HÀ NỘI Silver medallist of the first LION Championship (LC) season Trịnh Xuân Anh will be back in action at the LC 13 this weekend promising a thrilling fight at the Tây Hồ District Gymnasium in Hà Nội.

After his medal, Anh rested for one year to conserve his strength and enhance his ability. The Vietnam Topteam Club fighter will be against Phạm Thanh Ngân from The Champ MMA Club in the men's 65kg category.

Their match is one of four Class-A bouts in this tournament, featuring eight matches in Class B.

After his silver in 2022, Anh was promoted to the top three in the weight category, however due to his pause, Anh was ousted from the ranking list.

Although he did not compete, he still took part in the LC as a coach of the Vietnam Topteam athletes.

In his comeback Anh will be favoured as a strong contender with his jujitsu background giving him a competitive edge. His master striking skills made him one of the best fighters of the LC.

He said in the 2024 season he is looking to secure a place in the top three and wants to advance to the belt match against defending champion Filipe Negochadle of C88 Martial Arts.

His opponent is a rising star and has carefully prepared for the fight, being praised for a smart style that helped him earn a knock-out win at the LC11 and a No 9 place in the 65kg category.

Another pair to look out for; Quàng Văn Minh of Kickfit Sports MMA and Mirko Maurice Horn of Rooster Muay Thai Club, also in the 65kg class.

A poster of the match between Quàng Van Minh and Mirko Maurice Horn. — Photo of organisers

Minh first took part in the LC in the second season, winning supporters' approval for his improved technique and confident style.

A former student of the Special Forces Officer College, Minh has accumulated military knowledge and skills, helping him become a tactical fighter in matches. He always takes the initiative in his matches, scoring three wins at the LC.

German Horn will be the toughest rival for Minh on May 18. He recorded a successful 2023 season with two decisive wins. The biologist is technically good in both and BJJ, which helped him eliminate his rivals early with a ground and pound in his LC debut and a rear-naked-choke in the second match.

The two other Class A matches are between Lê Văn Tuần vs Nguyễn Hợp Hải and Trần Ngọc Lâm vs Đinh Quốc Dũng in the 60kg category. VNS