Vietnamese MMA fighter takes on 20 people in one hour

Tran Ngoc Luong (C) takes a photo with amateur fighters and spectators at the Vietnam Mixed Martial Arts Federation, Hanoi on July 6, 2025. Photo by RVC

The event took place at the Vietnam Mixed Martial Arts Federation (VMMAF) headquarters on July 6.

Luong's opponents, each weighing around 60 kg, came from various disciplines, including boxing, kickboxing, MMA and jiu-jitsu.

In front of about 100 spectators, Luong fought each opponent for two minutes, with a one-minute rest between rounds. The fighter, born in 1995, was active both defensively and offensively, carefully managing his stamina over the course of the hour in the octagon.

Luong did not rely on knockouts or takedowns but still effectively neutralized his opponents with precise strikes to their body and legs. The difference in technique and physicality made it difficult for the amateurs to land effective hits. Additionally, they were unable to escape when Luong applied locks or chokes.

Asian jiu-jitsu champion Dao Hong Son, who was present at the event, commented on the stark contrast between professional and amateur fighters.

"Speed and striking techniques are different," Son said. "But this is also a chance for amateur fighters to realize the level gap and to motivate them to train harder."

Luong, however, emphasized that the event was not about winning or losing.

"This is an opportunity to exchange martial arts with many people who share the same passion," he said.

Luong began his career in Vovinam before transitioning to kickboxing and jiu-jitsu. He has won four gold medals in national jiu-jitsu competitions and a silver medal at the 2022 Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

Since 2023, Luong has focused on MMA, boasting a record of 8 wins and 1 loss, his only defeat coming against Japanese fighter Kaito Oda at ONE Championship 2024.

 

 

Vietnamese MMA fighter takes on 20 people in one hour

Võ sĩ MMA Việt Nam một mình đấu 20 người

At Vietnam's top MMA tournament, LION Championship (LC), Luong is ranked sixth in the pound for pound standings, behind champions Pham Cong Minh (84kg), Nghiem Van Y (65kg), Jovidon Khojaev (Tajikistan, 70kg), Le Van Tuan (56kg) and his AGOGE teammate Pham Van Nam. The pound for pound ranking compares the best fighters, regardless of weight class, to identify the one with the greatest skills and strength.

Luong's MMA debut in April 2023 was controversial. He faced Brazil's Robson Oliveira at LC 5, where Oliveira dominated with throws, but the judges awarded Luong the win on points. This led to the discipline of three referees by the Vietnam Mixed Martial Arts Federation.

Luong and Oliveira were scheduled to rematch at LION 24 in Hanoi on July 12. However, the fight was canceled after Oliveira broke his leg while competing at ONE Championship. This incident caused controversy in the MMA world, with Oliveira's team facing a fine of VND300 million, though this was likely resolved by arranging a match against Le Van Tuan from Oliveira’s team.

At LC 23, Tuan defeated Pham Van Nam, Luong’s teammate, to win the 56kg belt. Tuan expressed his interest in fighting Luong for the 60kg belt to become the first fighter to hold two LC belts. However, LION organizers have not yet confirmed the match.