5 Interesting Facts About Chinese MMA Star Chen Rui
After competing in one of the best mixed martial arts contests of 2021 so far, “The Ghost” Chen Rui is looking to thrill the global fan base once again on Friday, 30 July.
That evening, the Chinese bantamweight star will meet Team Lakay’s Jeremy “The Juggernaut” Pacatiw at ONE: BATTLEGROUND, a closed-door event that broadcasts live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Chen – who entertained the masses in an instant classic with “Pretty Boy” Kwon Won Il back in January – will be gunning for his tenth professional win, but he knows the Filipino is also motivated to claim victory in his highly anticipated promotional debut.
Fans should certainly expect fireworks – and perhaps even another “Fight Of The Year” candidate. But first, we present five interesting facts about “The Ghost.”
#1 ‘DBZ’ & Bruce Lee Ignited His Dream
During his childhood in the Guangdong province, Chen was fascinated by “Dragon Ball Z” and Bruce Lee films.
The Japanese anime initially sparked his dream of a martial arts career, but the celebrity’s acting and fighting techniques completely ignited the flame.
“I liked watching kung fu movies – I liked Bruce Lee. Then I learned about mixed martial arts,” Chen said.
“I started to look for videos on the internet about mixed martial arts, and I became obsessed with it.”
#2 He Worked As A Doorman
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When “The Ghost” moved out of his parents’ home to focus on mixed martial arts training at Chengdu Ashura Fight Club, he needed to support himself.
Chen soon picked up a gig as a doorman, and though the pay wasn’t great, it allowed him to get by.
“I trained in the morning and worked as a doorman at night,” he recalled. “I needed money, so I would just cook some oats with hot water when I was hungry.”
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#3 Call Of Duty Inspired His Nickname
Chen is a huge fan of the Call Of Duty series, and he frequently plays the franchise’s first-person shooter video games.
In fact, he loves the games so much that they inspired his nickname, “The Ghost.”
Simon “Ghost” Riley appears as a main character in several of the franchise’s editions, and the title Call of Duty: Ghosts was released in 2013.
#4 He’s A Tournament Champion
Just one match into his professional mixed martial arts career, Chen was invited to participate in the ONE Jakarta Bantamweight Tournament at ONE: TITLES & TITANS in August 2016.
“The Ghost” defeated his first opponent, Zhengzheng Yue, via first-round TKO in the semifinals before beating Cheng Zhao by split decision to win the tournament crown.
“I was nobody at that time, but I was fearless. I think that is the reason I won,” Chen said.
“[In the final] I faced an opponent with a lot more experience, but I didn’t give up. Winning that title gave me a lot of confidence.”
#5 He’s Bona Fide Knockout Artist
Chen possesses immense power in all of his limbs – especially his fists.
The Chinese bantamweight has won 56 percent of his career victories by knockout, which includes wins over Roman “Boom” Alvarez and ONE Warrior Series graduate Ali Motamed.
That rate will only increase if he can shut off Pacatiw’s lights on 30 July.
