Ever since Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) introduced its Phase 4, people have been excited about the release of the Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. It is the first MCU movie with all Asian cast members. 

The movie revolves around a superhero named Shang-Chi, also known as the Master of Kung Fu and Brother Hand. He is a skilled martial artist trained by his father, Renwu, to be an assassin. 

Shang-Chi fled the Ten Rings organization for regular life in San Francisco. Then, suddenly, he is lured back into the organization, forcing him to face the history he believed he had left behind.

The trailer for the film was released on June 25, 2021, and since then, fans have been comparing Shang-Chi to other superheroes. One of the prominent superheroes he is being compared to is Iron Fist, another martial arts expert. 

Shang-Chi's Powers

This might appear a surprise, but Shang-Chi does not have any superpowers. Although the extent of Shang-Chi's powers and abilities has never been revealed, he has defeated several superhuman opponents.

He is classified as an athlete, although he is one of the best non-superhumans in martial arts. Shang-Chi has devoted most of his life to the discipline, with many calling him the greatest empty-hand fighter and Kung Fu practitioner alive.

His command of chi appears to be the source of many of his athletic powers, allowing him to transcend the physical limitations of typical athletes.

He has also shown that he can deflect gunfire with his bracers and evade and catch bullets from machine guns and sniper rifles. 

Iron Fist's Powers

Another superhero skilled in martial arts is Daniel Thomas 'Danny' Rand or the Iron Fist. He wields a magical power that lets him summon and concentrate on his chi.

Unlike Shang-Chi, Rand got his powers and abilities through magic. He was nine years old when he lost his parents while traveling to Tibet with his family. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Danny Rand (@marvelironfist)

Then he was taken to the fabled city of K'un-Lun, where he apprenticed under Lei Kung the Thunderer, a martial arts expert.

Rand was crowned King of the Vipers at 19 and dispatched to face a fire-breathing snake known as Shou-Lao the Undying. He vanquished Shou-Lao and absorbed the serpent's chi by plunging his palms into its molten heart.

Since then, he could summon superhuman energy to enhance the potency of his attacks. Because of this power, he was dubbed as Iron Fist. 

Shang-Chi vs. Iron Fist

The two superheros have specific powers and abilities, which make them powerful in their own way. However, if we talk about a fight — Shang Chi vs. Iron Fist, one overpowers the other. 

According to Marvel Comics, Shang-Chi can defeat Iron Fist, but there is a very thin line between their skills. Shang-Chi's fighting skills rank at seven, whereas Iron Fist is six. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Shang-Chi (@shangchi)

It would be simple to argue that Iron Fist would win a battle between the two simply because of his superhuman abilities. However, Shang-Chi's speed, strength, and general understanding of martial arts give him the upper hand.

The heroes fought in the 2017 comic Iron Fist #7, but the battle ended in a draw. Other superheros like Captain America and Black Panther have also compared the two martial artists in the comics. 

In their opinion, Shang-Chi is more powerful than Iron Fist. Regardless, it is neck to neck, according to the fans. Shang-Chi is a prideful Chinese warrior raised to be a martial artist since he was born. On the other hand, Iron Fist learned his skills later in life. 

Even though Iron Fist's powers are not natural, his power levels surpass Shang-Chi when he has total control of his chi. So, that makes him more powerful than Shang-Chi.

But based on simple hand-to-hand combat, Shang-Chi would take the #1 spot.