Kazakh Kyokushin fighter Aibek Amanov delivered a memorable performance at the SENSHI 30 Grand Prix in the -75 kg division, showcasing determination, endurance, and an aggressive fighting style that earned him strong support from the audience.
The event also served as the first professional bout in Aibek Amanov’s career, with the Kyokushin champion proving his ability to challenge experienced kickboxing fighters.
Amanov is widely regarded as one of the top representatives of the Kazakh Kyokushin school and has built an impressive competitive record.
Aibek Amanov – Major Achievements
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Winner of the KWU SENSHI World Cup for Amateurs (2025)
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Asian Kyokushin Champion — 2021, 2023, 2025
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Champion of Kazakhstan — 2021–2025
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Bronze Medalist at the Kyokushin World Championships — 2023, 2025
Originally, Amanov was scheduled to compete in the reserve bout of the Grand Prix with Viktor Krashevski from Bulgaria. However, after Spanish fighter Jordi Requejo suffered a knockout loss in the semifinal and was unable to continue the tournament, organizers arranged an additional bout between the winners of the reserve fights to determine the opponent for the third-place match.
The Kazakh fighter made the most of the opportunity. Amanov won the extra fight from Fernando Tigre (Portugal), earning his place in the main bracket and advancing to the bout for bronze.
SENSHI Ring: Kyokushin vs Kickboxing
In the match for third place, Amanov faced experienced Moldovan kickboxer Constantin Rusu from Chișinău.
Rusu is a well-known name in European kickboxing with several major titles to his name:
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K-1 Champion of Moldova
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KOK World Grand Prix Champion (2018)
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FEA Champion (2019)
In 2022, Rusu also signed with ONE Championship, where he made a successful debut by defeating Marouan Toutouh via unanimous decision after scoring a knockdown with a spinning strike.
The bronze medal bout turned into a close and competitive contest. Both fighters maintained a high pace, exchanged powerful combinations, and kept the pressure throughout the fight.
In the end, the judges awarded the victory to the Moldovan fighter by split decision. The crowd reacted skeptically to the verdict, responding with loud applause in support of Amanov after the fight.
Despite the outcome, Amanov’s performance became one of the most talked-about moments of the evening, with the Kazakh fighter winning over the spectators thanks to his fighting spirit and willingness to step into the ring under difficult circumstances.
Kyokushin Fighters on the SENSHI
Kyokushin fighters have been appearing regularly at SENSHI events under kickboxing rules, and many of them have achieved notable success.
A common criticism aimed at Kyokushin practitioners suggests that they struggle outside the tatami and become easy targets for kickboxers. However, both the SENSHI training camps and the tournaments themselves continue to demonstrate the opposite.
It is important to distinguish between the competition rules of Kyokushin sport karate and the full scope of techniques used during training. In practice, Kyokushin fighters work extensively on head punches, combinations, and ring tactics, which translate effectively into kickboxing competition.
Aibek Amanov’s performance at the SENSHI 30 Grand Prix once again showed that Kyokushin fighters can successfully compete in professional kickboxing, delivering exciting and highly competitive fights.
Amanov
Krashevski
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Tigre
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