Mixed martial arts 

Competitors of the Eagle 59kg class of the Gods Of Martial Arts' semi-finals on October 26 in HCM City. Photos of GMA

HCM CITY — The semi-finals of the Gods Of Martial Arts (GMA), a professional mixed martial arts competition, will feature five thrilling matches on October 25-26 in HCM City

Athletes will have a weigh-ins and face-to-face sessions on October 25 at the GMA Arena, before taking part in their matches.

Phạm Ngọc Cảnh will face Lê Huy Hoàng in the Cobra 55kg class.

The two competitors have a distinctive fighting style in the national MMA community. Hoàng, 21, from PFC Phú Quốc, is famous with his extraordinary endurance, while his sharp elbows are weapons to victory. 

Phạm Ngọc Cảnh and Lê Huy Hoàng in the Cobra 55kg class.

Cảnh, is ten years senior to his rival and is a seasoned fighter of Liên Phong Dojo. He has competed for many years and his heavy punches have helped him knock out a number of rivals.

In the Golden Rooster 57kg, Trần Kiệt of PFC Phú Quốc will play Lưu Đức Mạnh of No 1 Muay Club.

Mạnh is a rising star in the local MMA community and the 24-year-old recently won over a strong South Korean rival in the famous Angel's Fighting Championship. He is both fast and strong, two key elements for winning.

Kiệt is known to have the perfect combination of kicks, elbows and knees. However, Kiệt only qualified for the semi-finals thanked to his dangerous rear-naked-choke in the first round.

Trần Minh Nhựt will meet Mùi Trọng Vinh in the Eagle 59kg class.

Nhựt, nicknamed the 'Martial Arts Gentleman', is an intelligent and comprehensive artist, well trained at the Liên Phong Dojo. His flexibility and striking ability help him launch counterattacks unexpectedly, confusing his opponents.

Vinh, who is the number one fighter at Muay Club, stands out with his powerful style and overwhelming attacks. But he doesn't just rely on muscle strength, Vinh also possesses agile fighting skills, with intensity in his attacks and extremely durable physical strength.

Lê Thành Trung will fight Nguyễn Tiến Long in the Black Panther 63kg.

Trung from the Tank Club, is famous for his fierce attack style. He always creates pressure against his rivals from the opening moments.  His determination, endurance and powerful punches are the keys to his victories.

Long of Raptor MMA is a smart and sharp fighter. His rapid blows and ability to make use of rivals' mistakes have helped him turn defeat into victories in many matches.  

Vũ Hải vs Nguyễn Trung Hải in the Mighty Tiger 68kg class.

The last contest, Mighty Tiger 68kg, will feature Vũ Hải versus Nguyễn Trung Hải.

Vũ Hải, of Tiger MMA Club, is an emerging fighter, but made a strong impression in the quarter-finals when he quickly overcame Phajm Anh Đức after a series of powerful punches and elbows. He is said to be the surprise factor in the semi-final stage.

Trung Hải, a boxer from The Eagle Fight Team Club, has already proved himself a tough fighter. In spite of being just 21 years of age Trung Hải has experienced many MMA competitions. He competed and won against national top boxers thanks to his stubbornness, muscular body and bold playing style.

After this competition, the semi-finals winners will then have two months to practise for their title matches on December 7 at The Grand Hồ Tràm Resort in Bà Rịa Vũng Tàu Province.

GMA is a professional martial art competition launched by master-actor Johnny Trí Nguyễn, with the support of the HCM City Mixed Martial Arts Federation.

It aims to create elite competition mat for fighters, promote the martial spirit and provide thrilling bouts to lovers of MMA. VNS