The 25th LION Championship event marked the organization's first outdoor event, held in Khanh Hoa. The title fight between Lo Thi Phung and Quynh Hoa was one of the two most anticipated matches.

Phung transitioned from a kindergarten teacher to a professional MMA fighter, boasting three submission victories at LION. The Thai ethnic fighter from Son La was also considered undefeated in her weight class at national jiu-jitsu tournaments. She was often compared to a female version of Dao Hong Son, a renowned Vietnamese fighter.

Her opponent, Nguyen Vu Quynh Hoa, born in 2003, stands at 1.65m tall, five years younger and 10cm taller than Phung. Hoa has a background in Muay Thai, Sanda, and traditional martial arts, with a record of three wins and one loss at LION.

Lo Thi Phung entered the arena in traditional Thai attire, her demeanor calm. Meanwhile, Quynh Hoa appeared more focused, having declared before the match, "Phung said she wants to grapple. I'll let her grapple as much as she wants.".

As the match began, Phung immediately attempted a submission hold. Her previous three opponents hadn't lasted more than 2 minutes and 19 seconds against her signature move, but Quynh Hoa proved to be a different challenge. Training at The Champ MMA, she had the support of top fighters like Nghiem Van Y and jiu-jitsu expert Dao Hong Son.

In the first round, Hoa escaped Phung's ground game and responded with precise backhand punches to the face. Throughout the second and third rounds, Hoa continued to land punches and knee strikes, while Phung struggled to take the fight to the ground, her punches lacking direction. The 1998-born fighter also showed signs of fatigue and being stunned.

Lo Thi Phung (blue) lost to Nguyen Vu Quynh Hoa by unanimous decision in the 52kg women's title fight at LION Championship 25, held at Cam Ranh Square, Khanh Hoa on the evening of 16/8/2025. Photo: LC

In the fourth round, Phung tried to maintain a stand-up fight. With a minute left, she executed a takedown and attempted an arm triangle choke. However, Hoa managed to keep one arm in between, lessening the pressure and signaling to the referee that she was okay. The 22-year-old hadn't forgotten the title match at LC3 in 11/2022, where a premature stoppage by the referee cost her the championship against Nguyen Thi Tranh Truc.

Surviving the chokehold, Hoa entered the fifth round with confidence. She moved backward, cutting angles to evade and counterattack. Phung attempted to close the distance but was clearly exhausted.

At the final bell, Phung showed little emotion, while Quynh Hoa raised her hands before collapsing to the mat in tears. The referee declared Quynh Hoa the winner by unanimous decision. She sobbed openly, then lifted her opponent in a show of respect. The 2003-born fighter became the second champion from The Champ MMA, following Nghiem Van Y in the men's 65kg category.

Hieu Luong