Vietnamese fighter explains 10 kg overweight leading to MMA match cancellation

Nguyen Dong Dung appeared at the Vietnam Mixed Martial Arts Federation (VMMAF) headquarters in Hanoi on Friday morning. His weight was 75.3 kg, 10.3 kg over the limit, while his opponent, Pham Duc Thang, weighed in at 64.8 kg.

The LC organizers decided to cancel the public weigh-in for both fighters and also called off the MMA striking match. According to the regulations, if a fighter exceeds the weight limit by more than 2.5 kg, the match is canceled. Dung and his club, Kpark Kickfit & Warrior Muay, are expected to face fines and a suspension from future VMMAF events.

Dung took full responsibility for his unprofessional mistake and apologized to his opponent, the audience, and the event organizers.

The Hanoi-based fighter explained the cause of his weight gain, which was considered a record for LC.

He shared that after several days of cutting weight, at 2:30 a.m. on May 9, he experienced anaphylactic shock. "While doing the final weight-cutting exercises, my body reacted severely with chest pain, difficulty breathing, and continuous stomach cramps," Dung said. "I had to stop cutting weight, rehydrate, and eat to stabilize my health. As a result, my weight increased and exceeded the limit."

Nguyen Cong Dung soaks in hot water during the weight-cutting process. Photo by Facebook/Cong Dung

"I understand that this is a very serious mistake that affected the efforts of many people," Dung said. "I deeply apologize to Pham Duc Thang, who deserves a fair fight. I am very sorry for affecting his opportunity."

Thang had to cut nearly 15 kg for the fight. A video captured the Agoge club fighter crying after successfully making weight. He also arrived at the weigh-in visibly gaunt due to dehydration.

Both Dung and Thang are newcomers to LC. Dung’s mistake has drawn criticism from other fighters and the audience. However, the Muay Thai-based fighter hopes for another opportunity to make amends.

"I hope the audience and MMA fans give me a chance to correct my mistakes," Dung said. "I hope to receive sympathy so I can come back better, more professional, and more determined."

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

Weight cutting is common in combat sports. Fighters typically use methods such as wearing weight-cutting suits, resting under plastic sheets, or soaking in hot water. After passing the official weigh-in, fighters can rehydrate and return to a higher weight. These methods are generally accepted by most tournaments.

At LC 22, Belarusian fighter Zakhar Dzmitrychenka also had to cut weight, shedding over 10 kg in about a month. In his April 11 wrestling match against Ha Van Hieu, Zakhar weighed 95 kg. By on Thursday, he had come to Hanoi weighing nearly 90 kg. The 1996-born wrestler then had to cut weight to reach 83.9 kg on Friday morning, just enough to compete for the 84kg title against Pham Cong Minh.

LC enforces weight monitoring by requiring weekly video weight reports from fighters for 4 to 6 weeks before the match. Organizers may suggest or refer fighters to specialized weight-cutting experts to ensure their health isn't compromised.

Ten days before the fight, fighters must report their first weigh-in, with the official weigh-in taking place the day before the match. If a fighter exceeds the weight limit by more than 2.5 kg, the match is canceled. Fighters exceeding by 0.1 to 0.5 kg face a 10% fine on their prize money, while other penalties range from 20% (0.5-1 kg) to 50% (1-2 kg) and up to 100%, or must fight at the correct weight (2-2.5 kg). The penalty is distributed directly to the opponent.

At LC 5, 56kg fighter Pham Ngoc Canh had to cut weight on-site but still exceeded the limit by 1 kg, resulting in a 20% fine of his prize money.