Karol-Kenneth Lootus will return to The Clash in October. During The Clash 4, he had to watch from the stands instead of competing, which only made him want to get back in the ring even more. “When you see your own people, teammates, and friends competing, it’s naturally a joy. But at the same time, I’d like to compete myself.”
This interview with Karol-Kenneth Lootus was recorded on June 16, 2026, at the Invicta Sports Club in Pärnu.
Big goals were already in place before his first training session
Lootus was introduced to combat sports by a friend, but he had already been interested in the sport before that. When he finally decided to start training, he was already certain that his goal wasn’t just to remain an amateur. “Before my first training session, I had a clear plan: I wanted to make it to major competitions. Once I started training, there was no turning back—the drive was already there.”
"I always want to give it my all and at least try to move in that direction."
— Karol-Kenneth Lootus
Lootus makes no secret of the fact that he’s drawn to big challenges. “I always want to give it my all and at least try to move in that direction. If a journey ends up unfinished, that’s okay, but the most important thing is to strive for it.”
Discipline Shapes Life Even Outside the Ring
Through training, Lootus has learned how much success depends on small, everyday choices. No result comes about solely on competition day—behind it are days and weeks of sticking to the plan. “Discipline is the foundation of everything. You come to the gym every day and show up.”
"Discipline is the foundation of everything. You come to the gym every day and show up."
— Karol-Kenneth Lootus
This becomes especially clear during a weight-loss period. “If you’re on a diet and need to lose weight, it won’t happen on its own. Everything you eat counts. Maybe your stomach is growling and you’d like something else, but if you can stay disciplined, it’ll work in your favor in the end.”
Combat sports build self-confidence
For Lootus, the impact of training isn’t limited to physical fitness or competition results. Combat sports have helped build self-confidence, self-motivation, and the ability to work on the areas where a person feels most insecure. “This sport reveals your weaknesses and begins to shape your life. Discipline, self-confidence, and self-motivation—they all come along with it.”
She sees one of the sport’s greatest values in overcoming the toughest moments. “If you feel you’re weaker in a certain area, the sport helps you address it. If you can push through those challenges, you’ll keep moving toward improvement.”
Adaptability Is Key on Competition Night
Outside the ring, Lootus is energetic and fun-loving, but when it’s time to compete, he has to be able to switch gears quickly. For him, this is one of the most interesting aspects of combat sports. “You can be yourself, but express yourself differently. Backstage, I can be fun and crack jokes; when I step out, I put on a little show; and once I’m in the ring, it all clicks.” The same skill helps in other situations as well. “It’s adaptability. You’re able to switch gears very quickly.”
The Clash 5 Is Set to Be Bigger Than Ever
Lootus believes that The Clash 5 deserves the audience’s attention simply because of how the event has developed so far. The fight night, which began in Pärnu, is coming to Tallinn and the Unibet Arena this year. “This time, The Clash will be bigger than ever before. We’ll have great athletes, great matchups, and great fights. The Clash has never disappointed.”
The Clash 5 will take place on October 24 at Unibet Arena in Tallinn as the final night of the European Combat Sports Festival.
- The European Combat Sports Festival 2026 will take place October 20–24 at Unibet Arena in Tallinn. The festival will culminate on October 24 with the Main Event, The Clash 5.
- Co-funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the EACEA can be held responsible for them.