Thanh Le
{{short description|American mixed martial arts fighter}}
{{Infobox martial artist
| name = Thanh J. Le
| birth_name = Thanh James Le
| other_names =
| image =
| caption =
| image_size =
| nationality = American
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1985|08|28|mf=y}}
| birth_place = Owensboro, Kentucky, United States
| height = 5 ft 9 in
| weight_lb = 155
| weight_class = Featherweight (2017–2018)
Lightweight (2013–2016, 2019–present)
| reach = {{convert|74.5|in|cm|0|abbr=on}}
| style =
| stance =
| fighting_out_of = Metairie, Louisiana, United States
| team = Fifty/50 Striking Program{{Cite web |title=Thanh Le |url=https://www.5050bjj.com/thanh-le |access-date=2022-10-10 |website=Fifty/50 Martial Arts Academy |language=en-US}}
MidCity MMA
| rank = 5th Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo
Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
| years_active = 2013–present
| mma_kowin = 12
| mma_subwin = 2
| mma_decwin =
| mma_koloss = 2
| mma_subloss = 1
| mma_decloss = 1
| mma_draw =
| mma_nc =
| occupation =
| university =
| spouse =
| relatives =
| students =
| club =
| school =
| url =
| sherdog = 108007
| footnotes =
| updated =
}}
Thanh James Le (born August 28, 1985) is an American mixed martial artist, currently competes in the Featherweight division for the ONE Championship, he is a former interim and lineal ONE Featherweight World Champion. A professional since 2012, Le has competed in Legacy Fighting Alliance. He also appeared on reality television series The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber.
Background
Le was born on August 28, 1985, in Owensboro, Kentucky, United States. His father migrated from Vietnam and met his mother in Kentucky, before the family moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, when he was 5 years old.{{Cite web|url=https://www.onefc.com/features/why-thanh-le-was-destined-to-be-an-elite-martial-artist/|title=Why Thanh Le Was Destined To Be An Elite Martial Artist|publisher=ONE Championship – The Home of Martial Arts|date=2019-04-25|access-date=2022-10-08}}
Mixed martial arts career
=Early career=
Le made his professional MMA debut in November 2013. Over the next, he fought in his native United States and earned a record of 4 wins against 1 losses with all of his wins coming via stoppages.
=The Ultimate Fighter=
On August 31, 2015, it was announced that Le would be a contestant on the 22nd season of The Ultimate Fighter reality show, representing Team Faber.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/platform/amp/2015/8/31/9235985/the-ultimate-fighter-22-cast-released-will-feature-fighters-from-11|title=The Ultimate Fighter 22 cast released, will feature fighters from 11 different countries|publisher=mmafighting.com|date=2015-08-31|access-date=2022-10-10}}
In the opening elimination bout, Le faced fellow American Andrés Quintana. He won the fight via knockout in the first round.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmamania.com/2015/9/9/9291011/ufc-tuf-22-mcgregor-vs-faber-results-recap-for-episode-1-on-fox-sports-1-mma |title=TUF 22: 'McGregor vs Faber' results, recap for episode 1 on FOX Sports 1 |date=2015-09-09 |author=Jesse Holland |publisher=mmamania.com |access-date=2022-10-10}}
Le represented Team Faber in the first preliminary fight of the season facing Sweden's Martin Svensson. He lost the fight via rear-naked choke submission in the second round.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2015/11/episode-no-7-recap-the-ultimate-fighter-22-team-mcgregor-vs-team-faber|title=Episode No. 7 recap: 'The Ultimate Fighter 22: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber'|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2015-11-04|access-date=2022-10-10}}
=Legacy Fighting Alliance and Dana White's Contender Series=
Le his promotional debut against Alex Black on February 10, 2017, at LFA 3. He won the fight via TKO in the first round.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/lfa-3-results-highlights-trevin-giles-remains-undefeated-with-main-event-win|title=LFA 3 Results & Highlights: Trevin Giles Remains Undefeated with Main Event Win|publisher=MMAWeekly.com|author=|date=2017-02-11|access-date=2022-10-10}}
Le appeared in Dana White's Contender Series 2 on July 18, 2017, against Lazar Stojadinovic. He won the fight via knockout in the second round, he wasn't given a UFC contract.{{cite web |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2017/7/18/15994738/dana-whites-tuesday-night-contender-series-2-results-sean-omalley-earns-ufc-contract-first-round-ko|title=Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series 2 results: Sean O'Malley earns UFC contract with first-round KO|publisher=mmafighting.com |author=Jed Meshew|date=2017-07-18|access-date=2022-10-10}}
Le faced Bobby Moffett for the Interim LFA Featherweight Championship on January 19, 2018, at LFA 31. He won the fight via TKO in the second round to earn the title.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/lfa-31-results-fight-highlights-thanh-le-takes-punches-his-way-to-featherweight-title|title=LFA 31 Results & Fight Highlights: Thanh Le Takes Punches His Way to Featherweight title|publisher=MMAWeekly.com|author=Staff|date=2018-01-21|access-date=2022-10-10}}
Le fought in a unification bout for the LFA Featherweight Championship against Kevin Aguilar on May 25, 2018, at LFA 40. He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2018/05/lfa-40-highlights-kevin-aguilar-gets-a-ko-worthy-of-axs-tv-fights-400th-live-broadcast|title=LFA 40 highlights: Kevin Aguilar gets a KO worthy of AXS TV Fights' 400th live broadcast|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Staff|date=2018-05-26|access-date=2022-10-10}}
=ONE Championship=
Le made his promotional debut against Yusup Saadulaev on May 3, 2019, at ONE: For Honor. He won the bout via knockout in the second round.{{Cite web|url=https://www.onefc.com/news/thanh-le-knocks-out-yusup-saadulaev-with-a-devastating-knee/|title=Thanh Le Knocks Out Yusup Saadulaev With A Devastating Knee|publisher=ONE Championship – The Home of Martial Arts|date=2019-05-03|access-date=2022-10-10}}
Le faced former ONE Lightweight World Champion Kotetsu Boku on August 16, 2019, at ONE: Dreams of Gold.{{Cite web|url=https://webthethao.vn/mma/nhan-dinh-thanh-le-vs-kotetsu-boku-tai-one-dawn-of-heroes-18h-ngay-2-8-94766.htm|title=Nhận định Thanh Lê vs Kotetsu Boku tại ONE Dreams of Gold (18h00, 16/8)|publisher=webthethao.vn|date=2019-08-01|access-date=2022-10-10}} {{in lang|vi}} He won the bout via knockout in the first round.{{Cite web|url=https://www.onefc.com/news/thanh-le-knocks-out-kotetsu-boku-in-88-seconds-at-one-dreams-of-gold/|title=Thanh Le Knocks Out Kotetsu Boku In 88 Seconds At ONE: DREAMS OF GOLD|publisher=ONE Championship – The Home of Martial Arts|date=2019-08-16|access-date=2022-10-10}}
Le faced Ryogo Takahashi on January 10, 2020, at ONE: A New Tomorrow.{{Cite web|url=https://www.onefc.com/news/thanh-le-promises-an-entertaining-battle-in-bangkok/|title=Thanh Le Promises An Entertaining Battle In Bangkok|publisher=ONE Championship – The Home of Martial Arts|author=Nathan McCarter|date=2020-01-04|access-date=2022-10-10}} He won the bout via knockout in the first round.{{Cite web|url=https://www.onefc.com/news/thanh-le-takes-out-ryogo-takahashi-with-stunning-ko/|title=Thanh Le Takes Out Ryogo Takahashi With Stunning KO|publisher=ONE Championship – The Home of Martial Arts|author=Jay Furness|date=2020-01-10|access-date=2022-10-10}}
==ONE Featherweight World Champion==
Le faced Martin Nguyen for the ONE Featherweight World Championship on October 30, 2020, at ONE: Inside the Matrix.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/10/one-championship-118-features-four-title-fights-including-aung-la-n-sang-vs-reinier-de-ridder|title='ONE Championship 118: Inside the Matrix' set for Oct. 30, features four title fights|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Staff|date=2020-10-06|access-date=2022-10-10}} He won the fight via TKO in the third round.{{Cite web|url=https://www.onefc.com/news/thanh-le-kos-martin-nguyen-to-claim-one-featherweight-world-title/|title=Thanh Le KOs Martin Nguyen To Claim ONE Featherweight World Title|publisher=ONE Championship – The Home of Martial Arts|author=John Wolcott|date=2020-10-31|access-date=2022-10-10}}
Le was scheduled to defend his title against Garry Tonon on December 5, 2021, at ONE: X.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/09/one-x-demetrious-johnson-vs-rodtang-jitmuangnon-special-rules-fight-booked-dec-5|title=Demetrious Johnson returns Dec. 5 for special rules bout vs. muay Thai champ Rodtang Jitmuangnon|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Danny Segura|date=2021-09-15|access-date=2022-10-10}} However, on October 28, 2021, the event was postponed to early 2022 due to COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/amp/mma/news-one-x-moved-early-2022-due-covid-19-outbreak|title=ONE: X postponed to early 2022 says CEO Chatri Sityodtong|publisher=sportskeeda.com|author=Ernest Leo Hernandez|date=2021-10-28|access-date=2022-10-10}} The fight was rescheduled for ONE: Lights Out on March 11, 2022.{{Cite web|url=https://combatpress.com/2022/02/thanh-le-and-garry-tonon-to-be-a-clash-of-styles-at-one-lights-out/|title=Thanh le and Garry Tonon to be a Clash of Styles at ONE: LIGHTS OUT|publisher=Combat Press|author=Dan Kuhl|date=2022-02-28|access-date=2022-10-10}} He won the fight via knockout in the first round.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/03/11/one-lights-thanh-le-garry-tonon/|title=Thanh Le Makes Short Work of Garry Tonon at ONE: Lights Out, Defends Title|publisher=Cageside Press|author=Jay Anderson|date=2022-03-11|access-date=2022-10-10}} This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-11 |title=Chatri Sityodtong Hands Out Five Performance Bonuses At ONE: LIGHTS OUT – ONE Championship Results |url=https://www.onefc.com/news/chatri-sityodtong-hands-out-five-performance-bonuses-at-one-lights-out/ |access-date=2022-10-10 |website=ONE Championship – The Home Of Martial Arts |language=en-US}}
Le faced Tang Kai on August 26, 2022, at ONE 160.{{cite web|url=https://www.onefc.com/news/thanh-le-to-defend-one-featherweight-world-title-against-tang-kai-at-one-160/|title=Thanh Le To Defend ONE Featherweight World Title Against Tang Kai At ONE 160|publisher=ONE Championship – The Home of Martial Arts|author=Bear Frazer|date=2022-06-24|access-date=2022-09-28}} He lost the fight and the title via unanimous decision.{{Cite web|url=https://www.onefc.com/news/surgical-tang-kai-makes-history-after-masterful-performance-against-thanh-le/|title=Surgical Tang Kai Makes History After Masterful Performance Against Thanh Le|publisher=ONE Championship – The Home of Martial Arts|author=Christian Jacinto|date=2022-08-27|access-date=2022-09-28}}
The rematch between Le and Tang for the ONE Featherweight World Championship was scheduled on July 15, 2023, at ONE Fight Night 12.{{cite web |date=2023-05-17 |title=Tang Kai vs. Thanh Le title rematch set for ONE Fight Night 12
|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/04/mma-news-one-championship-tang-kai-vs-thanh-le-fight-night-12 |access-date=2023-05-17 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}} However, Tang withdraw from the bout due to knee injury and the bout was cancelled.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-23 |title=Tang Kai injured, out of ONE Fight Night 12 |url=https://asianmma.com/tang-kai-injured-out-of-one-fight-night-12/ |access-date=2023-05-23 |website=Asian MMA |language=en-US}}
Le faced Ilya Freymanov for the interim ONE Featherweight World Championship on October 7, 2023, at ONE Fight Night 15.{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Damon |date=2023-09-08 |title=Thanh Le vs. Ilya Freymanov booked for ONE interim featherweight title bout in October |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/platform/amp/2023/9/8/23865011/thanh-le-vs-ilya-freymanov-booked-for-interim-featherweight-title-fight-one-fight-night-15-october |access-date=2023-09-09 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en-US}} He won the bout via heel hook in the first round.{{cite web |title=Thanh Le Wins Interim Title With Slick Heel Hook At ONE Fight Night 15 |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/thanh-le-wins-interim-title-with-slick-heel-hook-at-one-fight-night-15/ |website=Jitsmagazine |date=7 October 2023 |access-date=7 October 2023}}{{Cite web |last=Dewar |first=Val |date=2023-10-07 |title=ONE Fight Night 15: Thanh Le Hits Heel Hook on Ilya Freymanov to Claim Interim Title |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/10/07/one-fight-night-15-thanh-le-vs-ilya-freymanov/ |access-date=2023-10-07 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}} This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-07 |title=Le, Zhang, Musumeci Take Home US$50,000 Performance Bonuses at ONE Fight Night 15 |url=https://www.onefc.com/features/le-zhang-musumeci-take-home-us50000-performance-bonuses-at-one-fight-night-15/ |access-date=2023-10-07 |website=ONE Championship – The Home Of Martial Arts |language=en}}
Le faced Tang Kai in a rematch, for the ONE Featherweight World Championship unification bout on March 1, 2024, at ONE 166.{{Cite web |last=Richards |first=Vince |date=2024-01-02 |title=ONE 166: Tang Kai, Thanh Le set for featherweight MMA world title unification match in Qatar |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/news-one-166-tang-kai-thanh-le-set-featherweight-mma-world-title-unification-match-qatar |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=www.sportskeeda.com |language=en}} He lost the bout via technical knockout in round three.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-01 |title=Tang Kai Unifies Featherweight MMA World Title With Third-Round TKO of Thanh Le at ONE 166: Qatar |url=https://www.onefc.com/news/tang-kai-unifies-featherweight-mma-world-title-with-third-round-tko-of-thanh-le-at-one-166-qatar/ |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=ONE Championship – The Home Of Martial Arts |language=en-US}}
Championships and accomplishments
=Mixed martial arts=
- ONE Championship
- ONE Featherweight World Championship (One time)
- One successful title defense
- Interim ONE Featherweight World Championship (One time)
- Performance of the Night (Two times) {{small|vs. Garry Tonon and Ilya Freymanov}}
- 2020 ONE Championship Knockout of the Year {{small|vs. Martin Nguyen}}
- 2020 ONE Championship Fight of the Year {{small|vs. Martin Nguyen}}
- Legacy Fighting Alliance
- Interim LFA Featherweight Championship (One time)
Mixed martial arts record
{{MMArecordbox
|draws =
|nc =
|ko-wins = 12
|sub-wins = 2
|dec-wins =
|ko-losses = 2
|sub-losses = 1
|dec-losses = 1
|dq-wins =
|dq-losses =
|other-wins =
|other-losses =
}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|14–4
|TKO (punches)
|{{dts|2024|March|1}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|4:48
|Lusail, Qatar
|{{small|For the ONE Featherweight Championship (155 lb).}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 14–3
| Ilya Freymanov
| Submission (heel hook)
| {{dts|2023|October|7}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:02
| Bangkok, Thailand
| {{small|Won the interim ONE Featherweight Championship (155 lb). Performance of the Night.}}
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 13–3
| Tang Kai
| Decision (unanimous)
| ONE 160
| {{dts|2022|August|26}}
| align=center| 5
| align=center| 5:00
| Kallang, Singapore
| {{small|Lost the ONE Featherweight Championship (155 lb).}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 13–2
| KO (punches)
| {{dts|2022|March|11}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:56
| Kallang, Singapore
| {{small|Defended the ONE Featherweight Championship (155 lb). Performance of the Night.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 12–2
| TKO (punches)
| {{dts|2020|October|30}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 2:19
| Kallang, Singapore
| {{small|Won the ONE Featherweight Championship (155 lb).}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 11–2
| Ryogo Takahashi
| KO (punches)
| {{dts|2020|January|10}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:51
| Bangkok, Thailand
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 10–2
| KO (punches)
| {{dts|2019|August|16}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:28
| Bangkok, Thailand
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 9–2
| Yusup Saadulaev
| KO (knee)
| {{dts|2019|May|3}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 0:12
| Jakarta, Indonesia
| {{small|Return to Lightweight.}}
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 8–2
| KO (punches)
| LFA 40
| {{dts|2018|May|25}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:44
| Dallas, Texas, United States
| {{small|For the LFA Featherweight Championship.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 8–1
| TKO (punches)
| LFA 31
| {{dts|2018|January|19}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 0:55
| Phoenix, Arizona, United States
| {{small|Won the interim LFA Featherweight Championship.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 7–1
| Lazar Stojadinovic
| KO (head kick and punches)
| Dana White's Contender Series 2
| {{dts|2017|July|18}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 1:35
| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 6–1
| Alex Black
| TKO (body kick and punches)
| LFA 3
| {{dts|2017|February|10}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:43
| Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States
| {{small|Featherweight debut.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 5–1
| Cody James
| TKO (punches)
| Mid City Fight Productions 1
| {{dts|2016|June|24}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:40
| Avondale, Louisiana, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 4–1
| TKO (punches)
| World Fighting Championships 31
| {{dts|2014|November|22}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:49
| Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 3–1
| Shawn Fitzsimmons
| TKO (elbows)
| World Fighting Championships 27
| {{dts|2014|September|12}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:27
| Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 2–1
| Matt Vaughn
| Submission
| Renaissance MMA 30
| {{dts|2014|June|6}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 4:36
| New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 1–1
| Justin Martin
| TKO (punches)
| XFC: Le vs. Martin
| {{dts|2014|April|5}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:44
| Ponchatoula, Louisiana, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 0–1
| Robert Dunn
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| Renaissance MMA 29
| {{dts|2013|November|8}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 4:58
| New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
| {{small|Lightweight debut.}}
{{end}}
{{MMA exhibition record box
| ko-wins= 1
| sub-losses= 1
}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|1–1
| Martin Svensson
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| rowspan=2|The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber
|{{dts|2015|August|7}} (airdate)
|align=center|2
|align=center|3:48
| rowspan=2|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
|{{small|TUF 22 Elimination round.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|1–0
| Andrés Quintana
| KO (punch)
|{{dts|2015|July|17}} (airdate)
|align=center|1
|align=center|2:27
|{{small|TUF 22 Qualifying round.}}
|-
{{end}}
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.onefc.com/athletes/thanh-le Thanh Le] at ONE
{{DEFAULTSORT:Le, Thanh}}
Category:American male mixed martial artists
Category:Featherweight mixed martial artists
Category:Lightweight mixed martial artists
Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing taekwondo
Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Category:American male taekwondo practitioners
Category:American practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Category:People awarded a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Category:American sportspeople of Vietnamese descent
Category:Sportspeople of Vietnamese descent
Category:People from Owensboro, Kentucky
Category:Sportspeople from Owensboro, Kentucky