Vietnamese fighter escapes ban after weighing in 10 kg over limit for MMA fight

During the Friday weigh-in, Nguyen Cong Dung Dung came in 10.2 kg over the 65 kg limit for his MMA (mixed martial arts) striking match against Pham Duc Thang scheduled on Saturday. The bout was immediately canceled.

The Vietnam Mixed Martial Arts Federation (VMMAF) said the incident severely impacted the reputation of the federation, the tournament, and the men's 65 kg division.

The federation applied disciplinary measures under the 2025 LC regulations. Dung received a formal warning, with stricter penalties for future offenses: a three-month competition ban for a second violation, and loss of ranking and forced promotion to a higher weight class after a third.

The poster of an MMA match at LC 22 in the 65 kg category between Nguyen Cong Dung and Pham Duc Thang, scheduled on May 10, 2025. Photo courtersy of Lion Championship

Dung explained that he suffered an anaphylactic shock during his weight cut from nearly 82 kg. At 2:30 a.m. on Friday, he experienced chest pain, breathing difficulties, and stomach cramps, forcing him to halt the cut, rehydrate, and eat, which caused his weight to rebound.

He accepted full responsibility and apologized to the organizers and his opponent, expressing hope for understanding and a chance to return.

His club, Kpark Kickfit & Warrior Muay, was also reprimanded and ordered to pay VND11.6 million (US$446) in compensation, covering the canceled match, travel, hotel, and insurance costs.

Thang, who successfully cut nearly 15 kg, was supported by the organizers with VND5 million to help cover his preparation costs.

Nguyen Cong Dung rests under a plastic sheet while cutting weight. Photos by Facebook/Cong Dung

VMMAF acknowledged shortcomings in match supervision and vowed stricter enforcement moving forward. It is considering tougher regulations around weight-cutting.

Currently, fighters must submit weekly weight reports starting 4–6 weeks before the match. A preliminary weigh-in is required 10 days before fight night, and the official weigh-in is held one day prior.

Matches are canceled if a fighter exceeds the limit by more than 2.5 kg. Fighters exceeding the limit by smaller margins face escalating fines of up to 100% of their fight purse, which is then awarded to their opponent.

At LC 5, for example, fighter Pham Ngoc Canh was 1 kg overweight and was fined 20% of his purse in his bout with Nguyen Thanh Do.