Cung Le

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Cung Le
Cung Lee
Cung Le in 2009
Born May 25, 1972 (1972-05-25) (age 39)
Saigon, Vietnam
Other names "The Human Highlight Reel"
Nationality American
Height 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)[1]
Weight 185 lb (84 kg; 13.2 st)
Division Middleweight
Reach 69.0 in (175 cm)
Style Kickboxing, Sanshou, Taekwondo, Wrestling[2][3]
Stance Southpaw
Fighting out of San Jose, California
Team American Kickboxing Academy, Universal Strength Headquarters
Trainer Javier Mendez
Rank Black belt in Taekwondo
Blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu [4]
Kickboxing record
Total 17
Wins 17
By knockout 12
Losses 0
Draws 0
Mixed martial arts record
Total 9
Wins 7
By knockout 7
Losses 2
By knockout 2
Other information
Website http://cungle.com/
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Cung Le (Vietnamese: Lê Cung, born May 25, 1972) is a Vietnamese-American[5] Sanshou kickboxer, mixed martial artist, and actor from Saigon, Vietnam currently competing in the UFC. He is the former IKF Light Heavyweight San Shou World Champion and has a professional San Shou record of 16-0 before moving to mixed martial arts (he also held an undefeated kick-boxing record of 17-0). He defeated Frank Shamrock to become the second Strikeforce Middleweight Champion before vacating the title to further pursue his acting career.

Contents

[edit] Early life

Cung Le was born in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam. In 1975, three days before the fall of Saigon, Cung Le and his mother Anne escaped Vietnam by helicopter under heavy gunfire. He ended up in San Jose, California where early racial bullying inspired him to learn martial arts. His mother enrolled him in Taekwondo classes at the age of 10. Le has disciplines in a variety of martial arts, and was undefeated as a professional kickboxer with a record of 17 wins and 0 losses. He is a three time world champion in kickboxing and also coaches his own team, which is now 11–0 in team competition.[6]

Le began wrestling competitively at age 14 after being inspired by his all time favorite actor Sylvester Stallone in Rocky 1 and earned All-American Honors in his Junior year of High School.[7] He went on to wrestle for West Valley College in Saratoga, CA and won the California Junior College State Championship in the 158 lb weight class in 1990.[8]

[edit] Sanshou career

Le is undefeated in his professional Sanshou career (16–0).[9] He has won three US Open International Martial Arts Championships (1994, 1995,1996). In 1998 he won the Shidokan tournament championship.[10] He has also won 4 US National Championships (Orlando, Florida 1994, Dallas, TX, 1995, Baltimore, MD, 1997). He earned three bronze medals in his amateur Sanshou world competition compiling an overall amateur record of 18-3. He has been a three-time captain of the United States teams that competed and was the U.S. team captain at the World Wushu Championships in 1997 (Italy) and 1999 (Hong Kong). On December 15, 2001 he defeated Shonie Carter by unanimous decision in San Jose, California to win the IKF International Kickboxing Federation Pro Light Heavyweight San Shou World Title.[9] In May 2003, Le entered into K-1 competitions where he garnered a 3–0 career record, including 1 knockout.[9]

[edit] Mixed martial arts career

[edit] Strikeforce

Le made his mixed martial arts debut at Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Gracie on March 10, 2006, at the HP Pavilion at San Jose, knocking out kickboxing rival Mike Altman at 3:51 of the first round. Le first met Altman in San Jose, 1999 in a kickboxing bout where he defeated Altman via a body shot in the third round. Three months later he faced KOTC veteran Brian Warren, knocking him out at 4:19 of the first round. Le had also faced Warren in a K-1 Sanshou bout where he won by decision. At Strikeforce: Triple Threat on December 8, 2006, Le defeated UFC veteran Jason Von Flue in 0:43 of round 1 when the fight had to be stopped due to a cut from a kick strike. Le went on to fight Tony Fryklund who had just suffered a spectacular loss to Anderson Silva. Like Silva, Le beat Fryklund via TKO due to strikes late in the third round. Soon after Le fought Sammy Morgan at Strikeforce: Four Men Enter, One Man Survives where he won the bout via TKO.

On March 29, 2008, Le defeated a long time MMA veteran Frank Shamrock in a fight co-promoted by Strikeforce and EliteXC at the HP Pavilion in San Jose. Le won via TKO when Frank Shamrocks' right arm was broken after a series of kicks (ulna broken), making him the new Strikeforce Middleweight champion.On September 17, 2009, Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker announced that Le had relinquished his belt after securing a major motion picture deal.[11]

After 21 months since his last fight Le returned to Strikeforce to face Scott Smith at Strikeforce: Evolution on December 19, 2009. Le suffered his first MMA defeat, losing via KO at 3:25 of round 3. After the match, Le expressed interest in an immediate rematch with Smith. His wish was granted on June 26, Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Werdum in which Le defeated Smith via KO into the second round to avenge his only MMA loss at the time.[12]

[edit] Ultimate Fighting Championship

Le has said that it’s basically the UFC or bust for him at this point in his fighting career. “I know for a fact that if I do fight again, it’s going to be in the UFC. I’ve never fought in the UFC, but I would love to fight in the UFC. But right now because of my contract with Showtime and Strikeforce, hopefully things can work out because there is a show in San Jose that Cain Velasquez is the main event. I would love to fight in San Jose for the UFC....” said Le.[13]

Le was briefly linked to a matchup with Vitor Belfort on November 19, 2011 at UFC 139.[14] However, Belfort was removed from the bout and replaced by Wanderlei Silva.[15] Le managed to confuse Silva with his unorthodox kicks, and landed a spinning backfist that dropped Silva. During the second round, Silva managed to shake Le with huge punches and knees. Le was shaken and fell to the ground, and the fight was stopped by the ref.[16] Commentator Joe Rogan commented that this was a "bad stoppage", as Le seemed to be in the midst of regaining his senses after the fight was stopped. Afterwards in the press conference, Dana White commented that it was a good stoppage and that Cung was taken to the hospital.

[edit] Acting career

Le co-starred in the live-action Tekken film, based upon the popular martial arts fighting game, as Marshall Law, released November 5, 2009 for the American Film Market. Le had supporting roles in the science fiction film Pandorum with Dennis Quaid and Ben Foster, and Fighting, released in 2009 alongside Channing Tatum. He also starred in a Hong Kong martial art film Bodyguards and Assassins, which was released on December 18, 2009. This film was the first time he worked with and had a fight scene with Hong Kong martial arts superstar Donnie Yen.

He also appeared in a Vietnamese music show "Paris By Night 99 - Tôi Là Người Việt Nam" where he was interviewed by Nguyen Cao Ky Duyen. This show also marked one of the very few times he actually spoke Vietnamese.

Le is set to play a lead role in the upcoming action film Dragon Eyes with Jean-Claude Van Damme, produced by Joel Silver. According to Deadline, the movie will be based on the Akira Kurosawa classic Yojimbo and will be "MMA-themed".[17]

[edit] Personal life

Le has two sons with his ex-wife.[18] He and his second wife Suzanne were married in August 2009.[19] The couple had their first child together, a boy named Robert Eric Le, on June 21, 2010.[20]

[edit] Championships and accomplishments

[edit] Amateur wrestling

[edit] Kickboxing

  • Ho Tet Tae Kwon Do
    • Ho Tet Tae Kwon Do Tournament 1994 Grand Champion
  • World Wide Draka Federation
    • 1998 Draka Tournament Winner
  • Shidokan Cup Bare-Knuckle Full Contact Karate
    • 1998 Shidokan Cup U.S. Tournament Winner

[edit] Mixed martial arts

[edit] Submission grappling

[edit] Mixed martial arts record

Result Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 7–2 Wanderlei Silva TKO (knees and punches) UFC 139 02011-11-19November 19, 2011 2 4:49 San Jose, California, United States UFC Debut; Fight of the Night
Win 7–1 Scott Smith KO (spinning kick) Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Werdum 02010-06-26 June 26, 2010 2 1:46 San Jose, California, United States
Loss 6–1 Scott Smith KO (punches) Strikeforce: Evolution 02009-12-19 December 19, 2009 3 3:25 San Jose, California, United States
Win 6–0 Frank Shamrock TKO (broken arm) Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Le 02008-03-29 March 29, 2008 3 5:00 San Jose, California, United States Won the Strikeforce Middleweight Championship. Later vacated title due to filming obligations.
Win 5–0 Sammy Morgan KO (body kick) Strikeforce: Four Men Enter, One Man Survives 02007-11-16 November 16, 2007 3 1:58 San Jose, California, United States
Win 4–0 Tony Fryklund TKO (strikes) Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Baroni 02007-06-22 June 22, 2007 3 0:25 San Jose, California, United States
Win 3–0 Jason Von Flue TKO (cut) Strikeforce: Triple Threat 02006-12-08 December 8, 2006 1 0:43 San Jose, California, United States
Win 2–0 Brian Warren KO (punches) Strikeforce: Revenge 02006-06-06 June 6, 2006 1 4:19 San Jose, California, United States
Win 1–0 Mike Altman KO (punch) Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Gracie 02006-03-10 March 10, 2006 1 3:51 San Jose, California, United States

[edit] Kickboxing record

Kickboxing record
17 wins (12 KOs), 0 losses
Result Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location
Win 17-0 United States Brian Ebersole Decision (Unanimous) Strikeforce 02005-06-04 June 4, 2005 5 United States San Jose, California
Win 16-0 United States Brian Warren Decision (Unanimous) K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 in Las Vegas I 02004-04-30 April 30, 2004 4 2:00 United States Las Vegas, Nevada
Win 15-0 Canada Phil Petit Decision (Unanimous) K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 in Las Vegas II 02003-08-15 August 15, 2003 4 2:00 United States Las Vegas, Nevada
Win 14-0 United States Scott Sheely TKO K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 in Las Vegas 02003-05-02 May 2, 2003 2 1:13 United States Las Vegas, Nevada
Win 13-0 United States Shonie Carter Decision (Unanimous) Strikeforce 02001-12-15 December 15, 2001 5 United States San Jose, California
Won IKF World Light Heavyweight Sanshou Championship
Win 12-0 United States Jeff Thornhill KO (Spinning Back Fist) Strikeforce 02000-09-15 September 15, 2000 3 United States San Jose, California
Won ISKA North American Light Heavyweight Championship
Win 11-0 United States Mohammed Lamin Keita Decision (Unanimous) K-1 USA Championships 2000 02000-08-05 August 5, 2000 5 3:00 United States Las Vegas, Nevada
Defended ISKA U.S. Light Heavyweight Sanshou Championship
Win 10-0 United States Mike Altman KO (Double Roundhouse Kick) Strikeforce 02000-05-13 May 13, 2000 3 0:30 United States San Jose, California
Defended ISKA Light Cruiserweight Sanshou Championship
Win 9-0 China Na Shun Gerile TKO (Scissor Kick) Art of War: China vs. USA 01999 1999 3 United States Honolulu, Hawaii
Win 8-0 United States Scott Sheely TKO (Broken Cheek Bone) Strikeforce 01999-05-15 May 15, 1999 2 0:59 United States San Jose, California
Won ISKA U.S. Light Heavyweight Sanshou Championship
Win 7-0 United States Dan Garett KO (Body Kick) Strikeforce 01998-10-10 October 10, 1998 3 0:20 United States San Jose, California
Won ISKA Light Cruiserweight Sanshou Championship
Win 6-0 United States Arne Soldwedel KO (Right Hook) 1998 Shidokan Cup 01998-08-29 August 29, 1998 7 United States Chicago, Illinois
1998 U.S. Shidokan Cup Final
Win 5-0 United States Mohammed Lamin Keita Submission (Foot Lock) 1998 Shidokan Cup 01998-08-29 August 29, 1998 5 United States Chicago, Illinois
1998 U.S. Shidokan Cup Semifinal
Win 4-0 United States Ben Harris KO (Spinning Hook Kick) 1998 Shidokan Cup 01998-08-29 August 29, 1998 2 United States Chicago, Illinois
1998 U.S. Shidokan Cup Quarterfinal
Win 3-0 Japan Minaru Taro KO (Head Kick) Draka V 01998-05-24 May 24, 1998 1 United States Los Angeles, California
1998 Draka Tournament Final
Win 2-0 Armenia Gagik Isrelyan Decision (Unanimous) Draka V 01998-05-24 May 24, 1998 5 United States Los Angeles, California
1998 Draka Tournament Semifinal
Win 1-0 United States Jason Yee Decision (Unanimous) 1997 Kung Fu Championships 01997-08-31 August 31, 1997 4 2:00 United States Orlando, Florida

Legend:       Win       Loss       Draw/No contest       Notes

[edit] Film and television credits

Year Title Role Notes
1997 Sleight of Hand Victor Indie Film
2001 Walker, Texas Ranger Himself (1993 TV Series) Episode: "Legends"
2004 Kwoon Mort Ission Direct-to-Video
2006 Dark Assassin The Assassin Indie Film
2007 Blizhniy Boy: The Ultimate Fighter Erik Film
2009 Fighting Dragon Le Major Film
2009 Pandorum Manh Major Film
2009 Bodyguards and Assassins Sa Zhen-Shan Film
2010 Tekken Marshall Law Major Film
2010 True Legend Militia Leader Film
2010 NCIS: Los Angeles Spectator (2009 TV series) Episode: "Hand-to-Hand"
2012 Dragon Eyes Ryan Hong Major Film (post-production)
2012 The Grandmasters TBA Major Film (post-production)
2012 The Man with the Iron Fists Bronze Lion Major Film (post-production)
2012 Dragon Eyes 2: Fist of the Dragon Ryan Hong Major Film (announced)

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Cung Le MMA Stats". Sherdog. http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Cung-Le-14883. Retrieved 2010-01-30. 
  2. ^ Knee Thrust. Blackbeltmag.com. Retrieved on 2010-08-27.
  3. ^ [1][dead link]
  4. ^ "Cung Le and the 8 Best Pure Martial Artists in MMA". BleacherReport.com. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/943630-cung-le-and-the-8-best-pure-martial-artists-in-mma. Retrieved 2011-12-31. 
  5. ^ "The Official Cung Le Website >> Biography". Cungle.com. http://cungle.com/bio/. Retrieved 2011-11-27. 
  6. ^ The Official Cung Le Website. Cungle.com. Retrieved on 2010-08-27.
  7. ^ Sherdog.com (2006-02-22). "Cung Le Makes MMA Debut Against Altman". Sherdog.com. http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Cung-Le-Makes-MMA-Debut-Against-Altman-4015. Retrieved 2011-11-27. 
  8. ^ State Champions. Caccwrestling.com. Retrieved on 2010-08-27.
  9. ^ a b c The Official Cung Le Website. Cungle.com. Retrieved on 2010-08-27.
  10. ^ Kungfu Magazine: Magazine Feature Article. Ezine.kungfumagazine.com. Retrieved on 2010-08-27.
  11. ^ "LE STEPS DOWN; SHIELDS VS. LAWLER FOR 185 BELT". MMAWeekly.com. 2009-09-17. http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=9607&zoneid=2. Retrieved 2009-09-17. [dead link]
  12. ^ Strikeforce: Cung Le TKOs Scott Smith. MMA Fighting. Retrieved on 2010-08-27.
  13. ^ "It’s UFC or Bust for Former Strikeforce Champ Cung Le". MMAWeekly.com. July 25, 2011. http://mmaweekly.com/its-ufc-or-bust-for-former-strikeforce-champ-cung-le. Retrieved 2011-07-25. 
  14. ^ "Vitor Belfort says he's fighting Cung Le at UFC 139 in San Jose". mmajunkie.com. http://mmajunkie.com/news/25173/vitor-belfort-says-hes-fighting-cung-le-at-ufc-139-in-san-jose.mma. Retrieved 2011-09-10. 
  15. ^ "UFC 139 shakeup: Vitor Belfort out, Wanderlei Silva in against Cung Le". mmajunkie.com. http://mmajunkie.com/news/25329/ufc-139-shakeup-vitor-belfort-out-wanderlei-silva-in-against-cung-le.mma. Retrieved 2011-09-21. 
  16. ^ Hendricks, Maggie (2011-11-19). "Wanderlei Silva returns to win column over Cung Le at UFC 139 - Cagewriter - UFC Blog - Yahoo! Sports". Sports.yahoo.com. http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Wanderlei-Silva-returns-to-win-column-over-Cung-?urn=mma-wp9734. Retrieved 2011-11-27. 
  17. ^ Mike Moody. "MMA fighter Cung Le joins 'Dragon Eyes'". http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/news/a278715/mma-fighter-cung-le-joins-dragon-eyes.html. 
  18. ^ "KNOXX's Cung Le talks about 2008 and his upcoming movies for 2009". KNOXXGEAR.com. 2008-12-20. http://knoxxgear.wordpress.com/2008/12/20/knoxxs-cung-le-talks-about-2008-and-his-upcoming-movies-for-2009/. Retrieved 2009-07-26. 
  19. ^ "Exclusive Cung Le Interview". 2009-08-13. http://www.octagonbuzz.com/exclusive-cung-le-interview/. Retrieved 2009-08-22. 
  20. ^ "Cung Le on his rematch with Scott Smith". KUNGFUMAGAZINE.com. 2010-06-25. http://www.kungfumagazine.com/ezine/article.php?article=905. Retrieved 2010-06-25. 

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Cung Le
Preceded by
Frank Shamrock		 2nd Strikeforce Middleweight Champion
March 29, 2008 – September 17, 2009		 Vacant
Le stepped down due
to filming obligations
Title next held by
Jake Shields
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cung_Le&oldid=473841403"
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