Vietnamese MMA master competes for UFC spot, hunting for billion-dollar contract

On the morning of March 27, the list of fighters participating in the Road to UFC 2025 season was announced. Among them, Nghiem Van Y is the only representative of Vietnamese MMA to participate. If he wins this tournament, the fighter born in 1999 will have the opportunity to compete in UFC - the world's leading MMA arena.

Nghiem Van Y is the champion of the men's 65 kg weight class of the Lion Championship 2024. In the title match held in December last year, the boxer who won a bronze medal in Sanshou at the 18th Asian Games overwhelmingly defeated Felipe Negochadle to reclaim the title.

Nghiem Van Y defeated Negodchadle.

Previously, it was the Brazilian who defeated Nghiem Van Y and took the number one position. In the rematch after a year, Nghiem Van Y showed his excellent standing ability. Nghiem Van Y's series of accurate punches completely defeated the Brazilian jiu-jitsu master.

Road to UFC is the first international professional MMA tournament Nghiem Van Y has participated in. If he wins the bantamweight championship (57-61 kg), he will be invited to sign a contract by the UFC. Rookie fighters joining the UFC can receive up to over 10,000 USD (more than 250 million VND) per match, not including bonuses for winning or impressive performances.

Even if he proves his superior ability, Nghiem Van Y can be offered a higher salary by UFC. The world's top stars can be paid millions of dollars for each time they participate in the ring, not counting the results.

In addition to Nghiem Van Y, Road to UFC 2025 season has other Southeast Asian rookies: Peter Danesoe (Thailand) bantamweight, Rio Tirto (Indonesia) flyweight, Deni Daffa (Indonesia) lightweight and Sim Kai Xiong (Singapore) bantamweight.

The 2024 bantamweight champion is Yoo Soo-young. The South Korean has fought two times in the UFC since signing, winning two by decision.

Xiao Ming

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/cao-thu-mma-viet-nam-tranh-suat-ufc-san-hop-dong-tien-ty-ar934110.html