UK fighter eyes MMA championship title in Vietnam

On social media, he posted a photo of LION Championship rankings for fighters in the 84 kg weight category with a bullseye emoji as if to target the title held by Pham Cong Minh, who became the champion in late 2023.

"Unlike other foreign fighters, I was in Vietnam even before MMA was legalized, and to compete here has always been my dream, as my family and teammates will be watching me," he wrote.

"I don’t care if I have to start at the lowest position or fight the champion right now."

Dan Vinni wears Vietnamese conical hat after an MMA match. Photo by Instagram/@danvinni_mma

Vinni, 36, has competed in 37 pro MMA fights, winning 19.

He used to fight in many major MMA leagues like Bellator, UAE Warriors, Oktagon MMA and even the renowned no-glove boxing tournament BKFC in the U.S.

The U.K. fighter has a black belt in jujitsu.

"There is a weight class here that I can compete in and I want one opportunity. I appreciate all the discussions and support."

In the 2023 season the LION Championship saw a rise in dominance of foreign fighters with five winning belts.