Competing in the women's modern 49kg category, Phung secured her championship victory over Akbaridastgerdi Mobina of Iran via a triangle choke. The final match, held in Luzhou, Sichuan, was decided in 51 seconds as Phung forced her opponent to tap out almost immediately after bringing the fight to the ground.

A screenshot of Lo Thi Phung celebrating her victory at the 2026 Asian Mixed Martial Arts Championship in China on Jan. 11, 2026.

Her path to the gold included submission wins against Narantur Enkhjin of Mongolia in the semifinals and Thailand's Sausamran Thanyaret in the qualifying rounds.

Initially a kindergarten teacher, the fighter from Son La Province in Vietnam's northern highlands shifted to a career of professional combat sports, where she became a national jiu-jitsu champion.

After that, she became a pro MMA fighter with three victories by submission at Vietnam’s premier tournament, Lion Championship.

In August 2025, Phung lost her 52kg Lion Championship title to Nguyen Vu Quynh Hoa by unanimous decision.

Phung remains a formidable presence in the regional scene. The latest continental success reaffirms her position as one of Vietnam's top female athletes in mixed martial arts.

Phung was the only gold medalist for the Vietnam national team at this third edition of AMMA, which ran from Jan. 9 to 11. Luu Duc Manh earned a bronze medal in the men's 60kg traditional MMA category.

Both athletes have now successfully qualified for the 2026 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Riyadh and the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.

Vietnam's Tran Ngoc Luong also secured an Asian Games qualification by reaching the quarterfinals of the 65kg traditional division. Other Vietnamese fighters were eliminated early.

The 2026 Asian Mixed Martial Arts Championships utilized specific safety-focused rules that distinguish the competition from major professional promotions like the UFC or ONE Championship.

These regulations include an open ring format instead of an octagon and restrictions on head kicks for most rounds. Referees have the authority to restart fighters in a standing position if ground struggles stall.

Hanoi’s athletes, coaches honoured for great success at SEA Games 33

Addressing a ceremony to honour and reward coaches and athletes who achieved outstanding results at SEA Games 33 in Hanoi on January 7, Deputy Chairwoman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Vu Thu Ha stated that the municipal authorities have invested in world-class facilities, introduced support and reward policies for coaches and athletes, enabling them to train abroad, gain experience, and strengthen their competitiveness at international events.

 

AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026: Vietnam beat Jordan 2-0 in first Group A match

Facing a higher-rated West Asian opponent, head coach Kim Sang-sik’s side played with confidence, pressing aggressively and maintaining a compact, disciplined shape from the opening minutes.

 

AFC expects Vietnam or Thailand to win U23 Asian Cup

As the 2026 U23 Asian Cup kicks off in Saudi Arabia, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has put expectations on Vietnam and Thailand to finally bring the trophy to Southeast Asia.

Outstanding athletes, coaches of Viet Nam in 2025 announced

On December 31, the Sports Authority of Viet Nam unveiled the list of outstanding athletes, coaches, and sports teams of 2025.

 

Bac Ninh star runner Nguyen Thi Oanh claims first title of 2026

BAC NINH - Vietnam’s leading distance runner Nguyen Thi Oanh claimed her first title of 2026 after winning the women’s elite 21 km race at the Vietnam International Half Marathon, finishing in 1 hour 16 minutes 38 seconds.

Bac Ninh sport cements its position

BAC NINH- Bac Ninh sport has seen dramatic and comprehensive development in 2025. The number of medals at national and international sport events sharply increased when many of the province’s athletes had standout performances and gained outstanding achievements at regional, continental and international arenas, leaving remarkable spotlights on Vietnam’s sport map.