Mixed martial arts 

HÀ NỘI — Hai Văn Ý of Việt Nam is one victory away from writing history as he vies for a place in the final of Road to UFC tonight in Shanghai, China, facing a formidable adversary in New Zealand’s Lawrence Lui.

A national wushu champion and current LION Championship mixed martial arts belt holder, Ý earned his semi-final berth with a striking performance against Rui Imura of Japan. Now, he must match up against Lui in the bantamweight category, with both fighters carrying the same win-loss record into tonight's bout.

Road to UFC offers a direct pathway to a multi-fight UFC contract for top MMA prospects across the Asia-Pacific region. The 'win and advance' tournament launched in April, featuring 32 competitors across four weight categories. It delivered an astonishing 12 finishes in the opening round and now narrows to 16 contenders who will battle for a chance to earn a UFC contract.

Ý surged into the semi-finals by defeating Imura in convincing fashion in the quarter-finals. Lui, coming in equally strong, claimed victory over Zhang Qinghe from China via points in his own opening bout.

Lui brings a comprehensive skill set, developed and honed at City Kickboxing—home to UFC luminaries such as Israel Adesanya, Brad Riddell and Kai Kara-France.

Known for his versatile wrestling techniques—double-leg takedown, leg trip, body-lock and leg ride—Lui also possesses physical advantages like greater reach, superior strength, and commendable endurance.

However, 26-year-old Ý can bring into play his grappling skills, honed over three months of training at the UFC Performance Institute, along with his wushu striking ability to floor his rival.

In the event of a win, Ý will face the winner of the match between Sulang Rangbo of the hosts and Sim Kai Xiong of Singapore in the final.

"Pressure and nervousness are available but I think they don't affect my fight," said Ý.

"I always think of my coaches and teammates during competition. They supported and helped me a lot. It is time to give back.

"In Shanghai, I will not only fight for me but also for Việt Nam. I want to wave the national flag on the international arena.

"My MMA path is still long ahead but I will give my best in the upcoming match, creating a good base for my career first and then a milestone for Vietnamese martial art community.

"Our ancestors used their martial arts to protect the country, I will practise martial arts to develop the country."

The category winner will have the opportunity to compete in the UFC, the world's leading MMA arena, with rookie fighters also in line to win over US$10,000 per match, not to mention bonuses for impressive performances. — VNS