At just 24 years old, Chinese kickboxer Luo Chao is regarded as one of the most promising young talents in China’s growing combat sports scene. While his name may still be unfamiliar to international audiences, Luo’s rise through the ranks has already made waves in his home country. Known for his aggressive style and technical maturity, he’s considered a serious threat to top-tier fighters with an over 40% finishing rate over 41 wins.
2025 has not unfolded in Luo’s favor. Since his decision loss to Beyond Kickboxing's No. 3 ranked 71 kg kickboxer Ouyang Feng in January, Luo's scheduled bouts against Enriko Kehl, Kacper Muszyński, and Zhora Akopyan were all canceled for various reasons. Luo has been sidelined for five consecutive months—a frustrating stretch for a young fighter in his athletic prime. Speaking with Beyond Kick’s Silver Tang, Luo opened up about his journey, the challenges of the past year, and his ambitions for the future.
A Blend of Talent and Discipline
Like many Chinese kickboxers, Luo Chao began his martial arts journey through Sanda, taking up the sport at the age of 10. Before transitioning to professional kickboxing, he had already won the Jiangxi Province youth Sanda championship five times in a row. Once he stepped into the professional circuit, he quickly gained traction as a standout name in China’s kickboxing scene.
“In this sport, you need talent—no top fighter makes it without it,” Luo told us. “But if I want to surpass others, talent isn’t enough. I have to work harder than anyone else.” That mindset has guided him, even through this difficult stretch. Despite the fight cancellations, Luo has maintained a rigorous training routine: up at 7:30 a.m., lights out before 11:00 p.m. "Opportunities favor those who are always prepared. When the next fight comes, I’ll be ready.”
A Rough Start to 2025
Luo’s year began with a tough matchup at the WLF Year-End Grand Prix on January 25, where he lost to longtime rival Ouyang Feng in their 5th match. What followed was a string of canceled fights, including several that were scrapped after WLF paused its digital event series.
For an athlete in his prime and on the rise, the inactivity has been a major source of frustration. Yet, Luo remains remarkably composed. “I can’t deny how much I crave competition—I love the feeling of standing in the ring. But I won’t be defeated by my own thoughts. Setbacks like this are part of every fighter’s path. The fights will come. All I need to do is be ready, every day.”
Looking Beyond Borders
Over the past year, more Chinese kickboxers have begun aiming to compete internationally in pursuit of greater opportunities and broader recognition. We asked whether Luo had considered competing internationally again – he has only fought outside of China twice. Luo, widely recognized as one of China’s top two kickboxers in the 70 kg division, responded with calm confidence: “Absolutely. I know I’m a strong fighter, and I believe anyone who watches me will remember me. Fighting abroad has always been part of my plan. I think it’s likely to happen this year.”
He added, “I hope to step into the ring with one of the top ten fighters in Beyond Kick’s 71kg rankings. My era is coming. The world is going to know my name. I will take a spot on the top 10 ranking.”
Luo is aware that international exposure is key to building global recognition. And he’s ready to take that step.
Future Pathways: Kickboxing, Muay Thai, or Both?
As the conversation shifted to the evolution of combat sports, we touched on the growing trend of kickboxers transitioning to 4oz glove Muay Thai or balancing both disciplines. Luo didn’t rule out the possibility.
“I haven’t fought in Muay Thai yet,” he said, “but I’ve fought with 4oz gloves in the ONE Hero Series. It’s not unfamiliar to me. When the timing is right, I’ll definitely give it a try.”
Luo Chao has a mix of youth, ability, and self-awareness—qualities that not only make him one of China's top prospects, but also a fighter to watch on the global stage. Though recent months have tested his patience, Luo remains steadfast in his vision. Whether in China or abroad, his next appearance is shaping up to be more than just a comeback—it may be the beginning of his breakthrough.
