Get ready to uncover the remarkable stories of six legends who will arrive in Bulgaria for one of the most anticipated fight nights of the year.
The SENSHI 28 Grand Prix, taking place on September 13 at the beach arena in St. St. Constantine and Helena Resort, Varna, will showcase thrilling battles in the spectacular 95+ kg division. For the first time in the organization’s history, SENSHI will host a tournament in the heaviest category, a format forever remembered from the golden era of K-1.
What makes this event truly historic is not only the scale of the clashes, but the presence of six iconic figures whose names shine in the legacy of the K-1 Grand Prix. These men are not just witnesses of the format — they are its very essence. They are the warriors who drew thunderous applause from hundreds of thousands of fans in Tokyo, Osaka, Amsterdam, and countless other arenas across the world. They know firsthand what it means to fight several grueling battles in a single night, to endure relentless pain and exhaustion, to rely on strategy and willpower when the body demands surrender.
This September, these very legends are coming to Bulgaria — not as competitors, but as referees, judges, and guardians of the Grand Prix’s legacy. Ernesto Hoost, Semmy Schilt, Francisco Filho, Nicholas Pettas, Andy Souwer, and Albert Kraus will join SENSHI to share their knowledge, pass down their spirit, and revive the greatness of one of the most emblematic formats in combat sports.
SENSHI K-1 Legends
Ernesto Hoost – “Mr. Perfect” of the Ring
Ernesto Hoost stands as one of the greatest names in the history of combat sports. A four-time K-1 World Grand Prix Champion, he also claimed world titles in Savate, ISKA Full Contact, and Muay Thai, and today serves as a member of the KWU SENSHI Board of Directors.
Known worldwide as “Mr. Perfect”, Hoost earned his nickname thanks to his ability to execute difficult combinations with almost machine-like precision. His career took off in the inaugural K-1 Grand Prix in 1993, where he defeated Peter Aerts by decision in the quarterfinals, knocked out Maurice Smith in the semifinals, and reached the final, where he fell to Branko Cikatić.
Over the following years, Hoost cemented his status as a legend, capturing Grand Prix titles in 1997, 2000, 2001, and 2002, and leaving behind a legacy as one of the most technically gifted and successful fighters to ever step into the ring.
Semmy Schilt – The Giant of Glory and K-1
Semmy Schilt is another towering figure in kickboxing history. A four-time K-1 Grand Prix Champion, K-1 World Champion, Glory World Champion, Glory Grand Slam Tournament winner, three-time King of Pancrase, and two-time World Kudo Champion, Schilt also serves as the President of KWU SENSHI Europe and sits on the KWU SENSHI Board of Directors.
He set an extraordinary standard in combat sports by becoming the first man to win three consecutive K-1 Grand Prix titles, a feat that raised the bar for all heavyweights who followed. Thanks to his exceptional conditioning, size, and reach, Schilt dominated opponents with long-range strikes and was renowned for his durability — in his entire kickboxing career, he was knocked out only twice.
In a recent interview with Bloody Elbow, Schilt emphasized his excitement to share his unique experience as the only kickboxer to win five major heavyweight tournaments. At SENSHI 28 Grand Prix, he will bring this knowledge to guide and inspire fighters competing in the debut of SENSHI’s heaviest division.
Nicholas Pettas – The Last Uchi-Deshi of Masutatsu Oyama
Nicholas Pettas has carved out a unique place in martial arts history. A European and World Karate Champion, he is most famously known as the last uchi-deshi (live-in student) of Kyokushin founder Masutatsu Oyama. Today, he continues to play a vital role in the sport as a ring announcer for SENSHI fight nights and as a Board member of KWU SENSHI.
Pettas’ most celebrated moment came in 2001, when he captured the K-1 Grand Prix title in Japan, defeating the seasoned Japanese karateka Akio Mori – known as Musashi – in front of an electrified crowd of 40,000 spectators at the Tokyo Dome.
Toward the end of his fighting career, Pettas delivered one of the most memorable knockouts in K-1 history. At K-1 PREMIUM 2007 Dynamite!!, on December 31, he faced the South Korean giant Kim Yong-hyun, who stood 39 cm taller and outweighed him by more than 63 kg. Using relentless low kicks, Pettas broke down the massive opponent before scoring a knockout just 41 seconds into the second round. This remains a record achievement — the shortest fighter ever to stop such a towering rival in stand-up combat. The visual contrast of 1.78 m vs. 2.17 m only amplified the drama of that unforgettable bout.
Francisco Filho – The Brazilian Kyokushin Warrior
Francisco Filho is one of the most decorated Kyokushin karatekas and kickboxers of his era. His accolades include being a two-time K-1 Grand Prix Champion, 1999 Absolute World Kyokushin Champion, 1997 World Kyokushin Champion, four-time Brazilian Champion, and three-time South American Champion. He is also among the rare few to complete the legendary “100 fights challenge” not once, but twice — first in Japan and later in Brazil. Today, Filho serves as the President of KWU SENSHI South America and sits on the organization’s Board of Directors.
The Brazilian champion made his K-1 debut on July 20, 1997, at the K-1 Dream 1997 tournament, where he stunned the world by defeating one of the sport’s most beloved figures — Andy Hug. Their rivalry had deeper roots: Filho had also faced Hug at the 5th Kyokushin World Championship in 1991, where he scored a knockout in the very last second of the third round.
Filho went on to capture back-to-back K-1 Grand Prix titles in 2000 and 2001, showcasing his resilience, technical mastery, and indomitable spirit. These achievements firmly secured his place among the legends of combat sports, and his name continues to inspire new generations of fighters worldwide.
Albert Kraus – The Hurricane of K-1
Albert Kraus etched his name into kickboxing history as the first-ever K-1 World MAX Champion in 2002, later becoming the inaugural SUPERKOMBAT Middleweight Champion. His accomplishments extend further, with four additional world titles in kickboxing and Muay Thai. Today, he continues to contribute to the sport as a Board member of KWU SENSHI.
Known by the nickname “The Hurricane,” Kraus showcased his explosive power at the 2002 K-1 World MAX final. In a bout that lasted barely a minute, he knocked out Kaolan Kaovich with a devastating combination to claim the championship. Over the course of his career, Kraus built a remarkable record: 148 professional kickboxing matches, 115 wins, and 79 knockouts.
Before transitioning to kickboxing, he also secured seven victories in boxing, underlining his versatility and fighting spirit. This determination appears to run in the family, as his son, Gradus Kraus, is now emerging as a promising talent in the boxing world, carrying forward the family’s fighting legacy.
Andy Souwer – Precision and Glory in the Ring
Andy Souwer is celebrated as one of the most versatile fighters of his generation, having earned the titles of two-time K-1 MAX World Champion, four-time Shootboxing World Champion, Showtime 70MAX World Champion, and Muay Thai World Champion. He also serves on the Board of Directors of KWU SENSHI, furthering the development of the sport.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of his famous victory over Buakaw Banchamek in the final of the K-1 World MAX 2005 Championship. That match was the first of their trilogy, with Souwer emerging victorious in two of the three encounters.
Another fascinating detail from that same tournament highlights Souwer’s resilience. In the semifinals, he faced Kazuya Yasuhiro, who stepped in as a reserve fighter after Masato’s injury withdrawal. Despite the unexpected challenge, Souwer pressed forward and ultimately secured the championship, proving his ability to adapt and triumph under pressure.
The inaugural SENSHI Grand Prix will also feature several other highly respected names from the world of combat sports, who will take on key roles as referees and judges. Among them are Tariel Nikoleishvili, Zahari Damyanov, Jan Sokup, and Petar Martinov – each bringing with them an impressive list of titles and accolades, adding even greater prestige to the tournament.
On this decisive September night on the Black Sea coast, the Grand Prix contenders will face an ultimate test of endurance. To claim the trophy, fighters must survive multiple consecutive battles, demanding extraordinary levels of both physical stamina and mental resilience. It will be a trial of character, determination, and tactical intelligence – where only those with an unbreakable will and an insatiable hunger for victory will stand tall at the end.
