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The Ultimate Fighter: Du Plessis Dominates Strickland to Defend Middleweight Title

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Brandon ‘The Sheriff’ Du Plessis retained his UFC middleweight title with a comprehensive victory over challenger Sean Strickland in Las Vegas on Saturday night. The 31-year-old extended his impressive win-loss record to 23-2, firmly establishing himself as the premier 185-pound fighter in mixed martial arts today. Du Plessis initially claimed the belt from Strickland in a closely contested split decision in their first meeting in Toronto in January of last year, which the polarizing American vehemently disputed. Since then, the South African champion has successfully defended his title against the Nigeria-born contender, Israel Adesanya, in August, while Strickland rebounded with a tepid defeat of Brazil’s Paulo Costa, setting the stage for their highly anticipated rematch. “Facing a formidable opponent like Strickland, attempting a knockout is next to impossible,” acknowledged Du Plessis, the first South African to hold a UFC championship belt. “I would’ve loved to continue excha...

V-League vs J-League: The Ultimate Free-to-View Football Face-Off in Vietnam

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Huu Tin Company has secured the broadcast rights for the J1 League in Vietnam until 2027, bringing high-quality Japanese football action to Vietnamese audiences. Live matches will be aired on the HTV The Thao channel in the afternoon, providing a convenient and exciting viewing experience for football enthusiasts in Vietnam. With ideal broadcast timings and a promise of thrilling encounters, the J1 League is poised to become a favorite among Vietnamese fans. It also offers a window into Japanese culture, providing a unique perspective for those passionate about football and Asian culture alike. “Our goal in bringing the J1 League to Vietnam is twofold,” said Nguyen Hoang Duy, representative of Huu Tin Company. “Firstly, we want to offer a premier football tournament to our audiences, and secondly, we believe it will be a valuable learning opportunity for Vietnamese football to draw inspiration from the strengths of Japanese football.” Nguyen Dinh Khoi, head of HTV’s sports departme...

The Saudi Star Signs On: Ronaldo Extends Deal with Al Nassr, Says Source.

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An official confirmed that while an agreement has been reached regarding the renewable extension of Ronaldo’s contract, it has not yet been signed. An announcement is expected in the coming days. Ronaldo, who recently celebrated his 40th birthday, is currently contracted with Al Nassr until June 2025. The football icon, known for his stints with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, joined Al Nassr in January 2023. Since then, he has been on a remarkable goalscoring run, netting 82 times in 90 appearances. In August, Ronaldo pledged his commitment to Al Nassr, stating his intention to remain with the club until the end of his professional career, whenever that may be. He added that it would likely be with Al Nassr, a team that brings him happiness and a sense of belonging. Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr in Riyadh two years ago was seen as a surprising choice, as he traded the spotlight for a less prominent football scene. The deal was reportedly worth $250 million. However, hi...

Hanoi’s Historic Crafting Communities Join the World Crafts Network

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The Bat Trang Pottery and Van Phuc Silk Weaving villages, now officially part of the World Crafts Network, were celebrated on the evening of February 14 at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi. This recognition shines a light on the rich history and cultural significance of these traditional craft villages. Nguyen Manh Quyen, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, in his speech, emphasized the longstanding reputation of Thang Long – present-day Hanoi – as the “land of hundreds of trades” in Vietnam. He highlighted that for centuries, Hanoi has been the nation’s cultural epicenter, boasting a wealth of historical relics, cultural heritage sites, and, of course, its renowned craft villages.  Nguyen Manh Quyen, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, delivers an impassioned speech at the ceremony. Photo: Tung Nguyen/kinhtedothi.vn Mr. Quyen went on to describe the villages of Bat Trang and Van Phuc as not just symbols of Vietnamese craftsmanship but ...

Hanoi Hotels: A Forbes-Acclaimed Destination in 2025

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The Forbes Travel Guide, an esteemed global authority on luxury travel, has unveiled its prestigious 2025 Star Award winners. This year’s accolades celebrate the finest hotels, restaurants, spas, and ocean cruise ships across the globe, with a special focus on two outstanding properties in Hanoi’s bustling downtown area. The Capella Hanoi, a visionary hotel with funky spaces designed by architect Bill Bensley, pays homage to the city’s rich history and its proximity to the iconic opera house. Guests are immersed in a captivating 1920s opera-themed experience throughout their stay. Alongside the Capella Hanoi, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has also attained the coveted five-star rating from Forbes Travel Guide for 2025. This prestigious award recognizes exceptional service, stunning architecture, and immersive guest experiences. Speaking of the Capella Hanoi, Forbes Travel Guide commends its architecture and interior design, masterfully crafted by Bill Bensley, tha...

The World’s Most Beautiful Countries: Vietnam, a Condé Nast Traveler’s Dream

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The renowned luxury and lifestyle travel magazine, Condé Nast Traveler, has recently recognized Vietnam as one of the 40 most beautiful countries on the planet. A glimpse of Khem Beach in Phu Quoc Island, nestled in the southern province of Kien Giang. This image captures the serene beauty of the beach, with its pristine waters and untouched natural surroundings. Caitlin Morton and Kat Chen, talented staff writers from cntraveler.com , curated a list of the most breathtaking countries, showcasing the ultimate visual feast of the best sights across every continent. For travelers seeking diverse experiences, Vietnam offers a unique blend of cultural and natural wonders. From paying homage to ancient engineering marvels at UNESCO World Heritage Sites to immersing themselves in the crystal-clear waters of its beaches and bays, Vietnam leaves an indelible mark on all who visit. The writers from Condé Nast Traveler were captivated by the wild beauty of Ha Giang, nestled in ...

Elite Cyclists, Gearless in Thailand: Temporary Bikes to the Rescue!

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On the morning of Thursday last week, a meeting was convened between tournament organizers and the Vietnamese cycling team to address the truck fire that caused extensive damage to their equipment. A mutual agreement was reached, wherein the Vietnamese team would borrow bikes from the host team and other participating teams for the duration of the competition. Additionally, the organizers took initiative by gathering information about the cyclists’ sizes, as well as their needs for helmets and shoes, to ensure they were provided with suitable gear. Thailand’s Vietnam Motorcycle and Bicycle Association has stepped up to the challenge, offering seven individual time trial bikes and helmets for the Vietnamese team’s use, along with ongoing efforts to procure shoes and pedals by Thursday. In parallel, the association is expediting the shipment of road bikes from Vietnam, expected to arrive in Thailand on February 10, ensuring a timely solution. A critical aspect of the meeting was the...