3 Wins That Prove Chen Lei Is A 'Rock Man'

“Rock Man” Chen Lei has made a big impression in ONE Championship thanks to his exciting style, big heart, and relentless pursuit of the finish.

It is likely fans will see more of the same when he returns to action against Anthony “The Archangel” Engelen at ONE: LEGENDARY QUEST in Shanghai, China on Saturday, 15 June.

The pair share nine victories on the global stage for martial arts, and all of them have come inside the distance, which suggests theirs could be one of the most action-packed contests at the Baoshan Arena.

No matter what seems to get thrown at the Chinese martial artist, he finds a way to endure it, and then come back to finish his opponents.

Ahead of his return to action against another of The Home Of Martial Arts’ most prolific finishers, see how “Rock Man” has lived up to his moniker on the global stage.

Weathering The Early Storm

Chen made his debut in the world’s largest martial arts organization in this frenetic thriller against Jeremy “Predator” Meciaz at ONE: DYNASTY OF HEROES in May 2017.

He was eager to make a big impression, but his Indonesian rival had the same idea and sprinted across the cage to go on the offensive.

They exchanged wild strikes until Meciaz dropped for a heel hook attempt on the ground. Chen was in a precarious position with his knee in serious danger from the submission attempt, but he managed to escape.

“Rock Man” stood back up and attacked with strikes, and though Meciaz responded by dropping for another leg attack, the rising Chinese star was one step ahead this time. He negated the threat from his rival, and then found a high gear – in contrast to his rival, who had run out of gas – to pound away with ground and pound to take the win.

Survives And Overcomes Against Soriano

Chen had to overcome adversity again in his third battle in the world’s largest martial arts organization when he faced off against the Philippines’ Burn Soriano at ONE: HERO’S DREAM.

When Soriano locked up a tight armbar in the closing moments of the opening stanza “Rock Man” grimaced through the pain, but held on until he was saved by the bell.

Soriano’s efforts to finish the contest in round one left him completely deflated when the action resumed, but once again, the Shanghai Open BJJ Champion summoned the strength to go on the offensive as he sensed his opportunity to turn the tables.

A smart single-leg takedown allowed him to put his opponent on the canvas, where he chipped away with punches and hammerfists. Once the man from Changsa passed to the mount position, it was game over as he unleashed a torrent of strikes to get the finish.

Knocked Down, But Not Out

By his fourth ONE appearance at ONE: SPIRIT OF A WARRIOR, fans expected nothing less than a back-and-forth war from “Rock Man,” and his battle with Ahmad “Lycan” Qais Jasoor delivered.

Jasoor was the first to score in the match with a stiff right hand that put Chen on his backside. The Chinese athlete was stunned, and ate several more hard shots, but his courage and durability saw him through again until the bell rang for the end of the first round.

He dominated the second stanza with his control and strikes on the ground, which started to erode “Lycan’s” strength and resolve. However, the Lion Heart and Equilibrium representative maintained his intensity into the final frame.

Chen landed a takedown early on and then opened up the taps from top position to get his fourth straight promotional victory.