Dinh Trung Hieu lost by technical knockout after 23 seconds, felled by Danh Quoc's opening strike. He was cornered against the cage and absorbed a spinning kick directly to the liver.

Hieu immediately grimaced, signaled surrender, and collapsed. The referee intervened, stopping Quoc's advance and ending the 60kg MMA Pro fight. Medical personnel attended to Hieu, transporting him from the octagon on a stretcher to Viet Duc Hospital.

Danh Quoc's spinning heel kick to Dinh Trung Hieu's liver resulted in a knockout during the 60kg MMA Pro LION Championship 24, held at Tay Ho, Hanoi, on 12/7/2025. Photo: LC

The 2002-born fighter was diagnosed with internal bleeding and a liver laceration. He underwent successful surgery yesterday, 13/7. The hospital stated that Hieu is under observation and further surgery remains a possibility.

"Hieu's condition is currently stable, but he requires close monitoring and intensive treatment," a representative from his club, MMA Ha Dong, stated. The representative added that serious injuries are unfortunate but inherent risks in professional combat sports.

LION Championship organizers affirmed their commitment to supporting Hieu's recovery, both financially and emotionally.

Despite the severity of Hieu's injury, Quoc's spinning heel kick is considered one of the most impressive finishes in LION Championship history. "The kick was precise in timing and technique, demonstrating Quoc's confidence," commented Nguyen Hoai Nam, coach at MMA AGOGE.

Coach Nam also noted that Hieu lost composure and reacted poorly in the decisive moment. "When trapped against the cage, a fighter needs to move and create an escape route instead of freezing," he explained. "Being against the cage amplified the danger of Quoc's kick, as Hieu had no space behind him to absorb the impact."

Hieu began his MMA career in 2024, debuting with a unanimous decision victory over Pham Van Quyen at LC 13 in 5/2024. Three months later, he lost to Tran Kiet via triangle choke in the first round at Than Vo (GMA).

Born in 2004, Quoc has competed professionally since 2023, boasting a 3-1 record in LION Championship. He's considered a rising prospect due to his improving technique, audacious fighting style, and outspoken personality, drawing comparisons to UFC star Conor McGregor.

Hieu Luong