
The SENSHI 18 International Martial Arts Gala Night delivered an electrifying showcase of high-paced, adrenaline-filled fights at the beach arena in Varna. The event was packed with thrilling and unpredictable bouts, as fighters gave their all in pursuit of victory.
The 12 matches on the card highlighted the exceptional skills of the SENSHI fighters. Competitors from 14 countries displayed remarkable prowess across kickboxing, kyokushin, Muay Thai, and MMA, captivating the audience with their exceptional performances. Their dynamic combinations of precise strikes, strategic tactics, relentless attack, and solid defense created an intense atmosphere throughout the night.
Local martial arts stars shone brightly at SENSHI 18, impressing their international opponents and securing 6 victories for the host country, showcasing their top-tier fighting abilities on the global stage.
SENSHI 18 Results:
Fight #1
Category: -70 kg, KWU FULL CONTACT Rules
Konstantin Mihailov (Bulgaria) vs Vincenzo Di Nicola (Italy)
In the opening bout, Bulgarian Konstantin Mihailov triumphed over Italy's Vincenzo Di Nicola by unanimous decision after an extra round. The two fighters were evenly matched throughout the initial three rounds, and the judges had to call for a fourth round to determine the winner.
Fight #2
Category: -75 kg, KWU FULL CONTACT Rules
Mubariz Aghmaliev (Azerbaijan) vs Lucas Kotleba (Slovakia)
Azerbaijan's Mubariz Aghmaliev faced debutant Lukas Kotleba from Slovakia in the second fight. After a dynamic and fast-paced bout, Kotleba emerged victorious by unanimous decision, claiming the SENSHI belt and cup.
Fight #3
Category: -85 kg, KWU FULL CONTACT Rules
Kristiyan Doychev (Bulgaria) vs Renato Prenga (Italy)
The match between Bulgarian Kristiyan Doychev and Italy's Renato Prenga featured spectacular action and powerful punches. Doychev dominated the bout and secured a unanimous decision victory, showcasing his superior skills.
Fight #4
Category: -80 kg, KWU FULL CONTACT Rules
Mehdi Ait El Hadj (Morocco) vs Alex Fernandez (Spain)
Moroccan Mehdi Ait El Hadj proved to be the more technical fighter in a thrilling match against Spain's Alex Fernandez, claiming victory by unanimous decision after a closely contested bout.
Fight #5
Category: -95 kg, KWU SENSHI Rules
Olivier Langlois-Ross (Canada) vs Sebastian Lutaniuc (Romania)
The clash between Canada’s Olivier Langlois-Ross and Romania’s Sebastian Lutaniuc started off intensely, with both fighters delivering sharp, precise strikes. Langlois-Ross won the bout by unanimous decision, earning applause from the audience.
Fight #6
Category: -75 kg, KWU FULL CONTACT Rules
Atanas Bozhilov (Bulgaria) vs Madicke Kamara (France)
In a high-energy battle, Atanas Bozhilov displayed his class and determination, defeating France's Madicke Kamara for his 16th SENSHI victory, much to the crowd’s delight.
Fight #7
Category: -70 kg, KWU FULL CONTACT Rules
Issam Chadid (Morocco) vs Gregorri Gottardi (France)
The match between Morocco’s Issam Chadid and France’s Gregorri Gottardi was one of the night’s most dynamic. A close contest kept the audience on edge, with Gottardi emerging as the more technically proficient fighter, securing a victory in the seventh fight of the evening.
Fight #8
Category: -85 kg, KWU OPEN Rules
Mariyan Dimitrov (Bulgaria) vs Tonny van Dijk (Netherlands)
In a surprising and fast-paced fight, Tonny van Dijk submitted Mariyan Dimitrov in the first round, finishing the match early and leaving the audience amazed by his skill.
Fight #9
Category: -75 kg, KWU FULL CONTACT Rules
Mihail Velchovski (Bulgaria) vs Ayoub Benaddya (Spain)
The bout between Bulgaria’s Mihail Velchovski and Spain’s Ayoub Benaddya was highly competitive, with neither fighter gaining a clear advantage in the early rounds. An additional fourth round determined Velchovski as the winner by unanimous decision after a hard-fought battle.
Fight #10
Category: -70 kg, KWU FULL CONTACT Rules
Dragomir Petrov (Bulgaria) vs Samo Petje (Slovenia)
In a closely contested fight, both Dragomir Petrov and Slovenia's Samo Petje displayed excellent technique and strategy. After a tense battle and an extra round, Petrov triumphed by unanimous decision.
Fight #11
European Title Bout
Category: 95+ kg, KWU FULL CONTACT Rules
Ahmed Krnjic (Bosnia and Herzegovina) vs Bruno Suzano (Portugal)
The European heavyweight title bout saw Bosnia's Ahmed Krnjic take on Portugal’s Bruno Suzano. Despite Suzano’s determination, Krnjic’s superior strength and technique led him to a unanimous decision victory, claiming the European title in the super heavyweight category.
Fight #12
European Title Bout
Category: -90 kg, KWU FULL CONTACT Rules
Eduard Aleksanyan (Bulgaria) vs Jacob Styben (Germany)
In an intense finale, Eduard Aleksanyan defeated Germany’s Jacob Styben for the European SENSHI title in the -90 kg category. Aleksanyan’s precision and cleaner striking impressed both the crowd and the judges, earning him the victory after a fast-paced three rounds.
SENSHI 18 special prizes:
The "Fighting Spirit" award at SENSHI 18 was claimed for the second time this year by Bulgaria’s Mihail Velchovski, who displayed unmatched energy and resilience against his formidable opponent.
Slovenia’s Samo Petje won the "Best Technique" award, captivating the audience with his precise punches, excellent fighting style, and high-level skill in the ring.
The prestigious "Knockout of the Night" award went to Tonny van Dijk from the Netherlands for his impressive first-round technical victory.
Among the special guests, referees, and judges at SENSHI 18 were some of the biggest names in combat sports, including four-time K-1 World Champion and World Savate Champion Ernesto Hoost, Glory world champion and four-time K-1 Grand Prix winner Shihan Semmy Schilt, European and World Karate Champion and K-1 Grand Prix winner Shihan Nicholas Pettas, and absolute Kyokushin World Champion Sensei Tariel Nikoleishvili. The star-studded group also included first K-1 Max World Champion Albert Kraus, two-time K-1 Max World Champion Andy Souwer, and European Kyokushin Champion Sensei Jan Soukup.
Kyokushin legends Sensei Zahari Damyanov, a four-time American absolute champion, and Sensei Petar Martinov, a world and European Kyokushin champion, served as referees and judges for the event.
Combat sports fans who attended the event at the beach arena were left exhilarated by the breathtaking and unpredictable fights. The upcoming edition of SENSHI is set to continue delivering thrilling and unforgettable moments for spectators.
Mihailov
Di Nicola
Aghamalıyev
Kotleba
Doychev
Prenga
El Hadj
Fernandez
Langlois-Ross
Lutaniuc
Bozhilov
Kamara
Chadid
Gottardi
Dimitrov
van Dijk
Velchovski
Benaddya
Petrov
Petje
Krnjic
Suzano
Aleksanyan
Styben
SENSHI Gala 18 is organized in cooperation with the Professional League of the Kyokushin World Union (KWU International Professional League), as well as with the special support of Armeec Insurance Company, MAX Sport, Bulgaria Air, M Car Group – BMW dealer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Service and St. St. Constantine and Helena Holding.
SENSHI Gala media partners are Boec.BG and Boec.COM, the national television Bulgaria ON AIR, the American online martial arts television FITE, Gol.bg, Topsport.bg, Kwunion.com, the information portal Kyokushin Karate News and Fighto.News.