Bringing MMA into the national competition system

The 2nd National Congress of the Vietnam Mixed Martial Arts Federation aims to bring Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) into the national competition system as well as build the LION Championship system into a truly professional MMA tournament in Vietnam.

On the afternoon of May 31, in Hanoi , the Vietnam Mixed Martial Arts Federation (VMMAF) held its second National Congress (2025-2030). Mr. Ngo Duc Quynh was elected by the congress to continue to hold the position of President of the Federation for the second term.

The 2nd National Congress of VMMAF was held in Hanoi on the afternoon of May 31.

In addition, the congress elected a list of the Executive Committee for the second term with 27 delegates, of which Lieutenant General Dao Gia Bao, former Director of the Department of Party and Political Work (now the Department of Political Work, Ministry of Public Security ) holds the position of Permanent Vice Chairman; Mr. Vo Quoc Thang and Mr. Nguyen Tuan Cuong are Vice Chairmen. Mr. Mai Thanh Ba holds the position of General Secretary, Mr. Nguyen To An holds the position of Head of the Inspection Committee, and Mr. Vu Hai Quan holds the position of Head of the Finance Committee.

Established on January 22, 2020, VMMAF operates with the goal of mobilizing maximum resources, promoting strong development movements, improving people's health and lives, and enhancing the position and achievements of Vietnamese mixed martial arts in regional, continental and international competitions.

Ms. Le Thi Hoang Yen spoke at the congress.

In his opening speech, VMMAF President Ngo Duc Quynh affirmed: The past term was a challenging but also extremely proud period. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the fledgling beginnings of the MMA movement along with other objective difficulties, the Federation has still gradually built a solid foundation for this potential combat sport .

From issuing regulations, organizing prestigious domestic tournaments, sending athletes to compete internationally, to training and developing forces - all are proof of the "never give up" spirit of martial arts enthusiasts. This congress will be an opportunity to evaluate, draw lessons and set out strategic directions for the new term, so that Vietnamese MMA can step out into the region and the world.

Term II is identified as a pivotal period, with the common goal of consolidating and perfecting the organization, building a truly strong Federation, with the criteria of "Solidarity, intelligence, efficiency and development". The main orientations in the new term include: Continuing to review, amend and supplement regulations and rules to ensure effective and efficient operations, professionalizing management work; Mobilizing the establishment of MMA associations and clubs in localities, ministries and branches; bringing MMA into the official national competition system from 2026 with the system of Club Cups, National Championships and National Youth Championships.

Delegates and Executive Committee of VMMAF Term II.

Closely coordinate with the Vietnam Sports Administration (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) and the Vietnam Olympic Committee to select forces, train and compete in major sports events such as: ASIAD, Asian Indoor Games and Martial Arts (AIMAG), Asian Youth Games, SEA Games; gradually improve achievements and build position in regional and continental arenas.

Continue to improve the Law and Regulations of professional MMA, build the LION Championship system to become a truly professional MMA tournament in Vietnam. Complete the curriculum and training materials for coaches and referees, aiming for regional and international levels; research and build MMA Centers in Vietnam.

Speaking at the congress, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Sports and Physical Training Department Le Thi Hoang Yen praised the efforts of the Executive Committee, staff, coaches, athletes, referees and those working in the field of mixed martial arts during the past term.

During the first term (2020-2025), VMMAF has achieved many outstanding achievements, creating a solid foundation for the development of this martial art in Vietnam. The Federation has recruited nearly 1,000 members (including organizations and individuals), actively organized training, exchange and competition activities, contributing to the strong spread of the MMA movement across the country; consolidated the apparatus, issued and completed many important regulations. Hundreds of MMA coaches and referees at all levels have been trained and certified both domestically and internationally.

The professional quality of the Lion Championship has improved over time.

At the same time, the Lion Championship was built and developed into a professional, classy tournament, attracting many martial artists and audiences, creating the premise for forming a national ranking.

VMMAF also officially became a member of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) and the Asian Mixed Martial Arts Association (AMMA). In particular, Mixed Martial Arts has been officially included in the competition system of the Asian Youth Games (October 2025), ASIAD 20 (October 2026) and AIMAG 6 (December 2026). At the first Asian MMA Championship, Vietnamese athletes won 1 Gold Medal, 2 Silver Medals and 1 Bronze Medal.

Source: https://cand.com.vn/the-thao/dua-mma-vao-he-thong-thi-dau-quoc-gia-i770170/