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Their bout was the fourth match of the night at the 24th edition of the Vietnamese mixed martial arts (MMA) tournament LION Championship (LC), held Saturday evening at Tay Ho Stadium in Hanoi.
Smith, born in 1997 and standing 1.8 meters tall, is one year younger and 10 centimeters taller than Duc. Both fighters are known for their grappling skills and physical strength.
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Harry Smith (R) punches Pham Anh Duc in the 65kg MMA Pro match of LION Championship 24 at Tay Ho Stadium in Hanoi, July 12, 2025. Photo by LC |
From the opening minute, Smith took control, forcing Duc to the floor and opening a cut near his right eye.
Despite the early setback, Duc fought back, managing a stalemate with a well-timed escape and choke attempt.
However, the tide turned in the second round when Duc stumbled and lost his footing.
Smith quickly capitalized, locking his opponent’s arm and landing nine consecutive knee strikes.
The referee stepped in to stop the fight, awarding Smith a technical knockout. Duc exited the octagon with a bloodied nose.
Harry Smith's knee strikes that earned him a knockout victory over Pham Anh Duc in the 65kg MMA Pro match of LION Championship 24 at Tay Ho Stadium in Hanoi, July 12, 2025. Video by LC
This marks Smith’s first knockout win in the MMA Pro category at LION.
He earned victories over other Vietnamese opponents in the amateur 65kg class at previous LC events. In his Pro debut at LC 17, he lost by unanimous decision.
Born in Scotland to a non-fighting family, Smith moved to Vietnam after graduating from university. He has been working as an English teacher while training in MMA in Ho Chi Minh City.
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Harry Smith (L, 3rd) celebrates with his Vietnam Top Team Club teammates after his victory in the 65kg MMA Pro match of LION Championship 24 at Tay Ho Stadium in Hanoi, July 12, 2025. Photo by LC |
His teammate at Vietnam Top Team, British fighter Liam Arnold, also claimed victory on Saturday.
Arnold, born in 1986 and standing 1.64 meters tall, submitted Bui Phong Son despite being 16 years older and 6 centimeters shorter.
