In a spectacle that blurred the lines between reality and science fiction, two humanoid robots squared off in a kickboxing match in Hangzhou, China, marking the world’s first robot kickboxing championship. The event was part of the China Media Group World Robot Competition.
Futuristic Fight in the Ring
Wearing gloves and protective headgear, the robots traded punches and kicks, showcasing impressive precision and agility. Developed by Unitree Robotics, the humanoids were guided by human operators positioned outside the ring, drawing comparisons to scenes from the film Real Steel.
The tournament featured four G1 humanoid robots created by Unitree Robotics, with each match controlled by human teams. Viral videos of the event quickly spread online, drawing millions of viewers. “Welcome to the Mech Combat Arena in Hangzhou, where 4-foot AI-powered fighters throw real punches, not pixels. This is not science fiction—it’s live, it’s real, and it’s broadcast to the world,” one user commented.
WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:
🇨🇳 Robot gets KO’d in the world’s first humanoid ROBOT FIGHTING tournament in China pic.twitter.com/Abkux5FZnj
— Dott. Orikron 🇵🇹 (@orikron) May 25, 2025
Another added, “At first glance, it looks like fun, but this is a serious emerging market. Imagine humans controlling robots that write their stories in a martial arts federation. This has the potential to be HUGE!”
Advanced AI-Powered Combat Skills
The robots performed a variety of combat techniques, including straight punches, hooks, sidekicks, and even aerial spin kicks. According to Chen Xiyun, a marketing member at Unitree Robotics, the robots could even get back up after falling—demonstrating a major leap in motion-control technology and artificial intelligence.
Bigger Battles on the Horizon
The excitement isn’t over yet. The world’s first full-sized humanoid robot combat tournament is scheduled to take place in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, this December, as reported by Global Times.
