The international fight gala SENSHI 31 Gladiators will turn the Ancient Theatre in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, into a stage for elite combat action on May 30. Starting at 7:30 PM EET /12:30 PM EST/, the event will feature explosive matchups between top fighters from around the globe, alongside the debut of the SENSHI Grand Prix tournament in the lightweight division up to 70 kg. The tournament will follow a direct-elimination format, with some of the division’s strongest competitors battling for the prestigious title.
Beyond the action inside the ring, SENSHI 31 Gladiators will welcome an extraordinary lineup of world-renowned champions and martial arts legends. Celebrated figures from kickboxing and Kyokushin karate will attend the gala as judges, referees, commentators, and official representatives of KWU SENSHI.
Among the distinguished guests is Ernesto Hoost from the Netherlands — four-time K-1 World Champion, Savate World Champion, ISKA Full Contact World Champion, and Muay Thai World Champion, as well as a member of the KWU SENSHI Board of Directors.
Also attending is Shihan Semmy Schilt from the Netherlands — President of KWU SENSHI Europe, four-time K-1 Grand Prix Champion, Glory World Champion, Glory Grand Slam 16-Man Tournament winner, K-1 World Champion, three-time King of Pancrase champion, and two-time Kudo World Champion.
The legendary Albert Kraus will also be part of the event. The Dutch star became the inaugural K-1 World MAX Tournament Champion in 2002 and later captured the SUPERKOMBAT Middleweight title, adding multiple world championships in kickboxing and Muay Thai to his career achievements.
Fans in Plovdiv will also see Andy Souwer, another iconic name from the Netherlands. The decorated lightweight fighter is a two-time K-1 MAX World Champion, four-time Shootboxing World Champion, Showtime 70MAX champion, and Muay Thai World Champion.
Representing the world of Kyokushin karate is Shihan Nicholas Pettas from Japan — European and World Karate Champion, the final uchi-deshi of Masutatsu Oyama, K-1 Japan Grand Prix winner, official ring presenter of SENSHI, and member of the KWU SENSHI Board of Directors.
The event will further showcase leading Kyokushin representatives, including Sensei Tariel Nikoleishvili from Georgia — Absolute World Champion, winner of the legendary 100-Man Kumite challenge, former Absolute Japan Champion, and European Champion.
Bulgaria’s own Sensei Zahari Damyanov will also be among the official guests. Damyanov is a Kyokushin World Champion, four-time American Absolute Champion, and four-time European champion.
Joining the officials lineup is Sensei Jan Soukup from the Czech Republic — former All Japan Tournament Champion, European Champion, SENSHI Champion, and finalist at major world and European Kyokushin competitions.
Another respected Bulgarian Kyokushin figure attending the gala is Sensei Petar Martinov — World Champion, European Champion, and three-time European Tameshiwari Champion.
The combination of elite fighters, the inaugural SENSHI Grand Prix up to 70 kg, and the presence of so many legendary champions makes SENSHI 31 Gladiators one of the standout combat sports events of the year. On May 30, Plovdiv will once again become a global meeting point for martial arts fans and some of the greatest names in kickboxing and Kyokushin karate.
The legendary SENSHI guests will also participate as instructors in the accompanying international martial arts training camp, held in Plovdiv from May 27 to May 31.
SENSHI 31 Gladiators
is organized in cooperation with the 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.
The media partners of SENSHI 31 Gladiators
Boec.bg and Boec.com, Bulgaria ON AIR, MAX Sport, TrillerTV, Beyond Kickboxing, Gol.bg, Sportal.bg, Dir.bg, Topsport.bg, КWUSENSHI.com, KWUnion.com, KyokushinКarate.News, Fighto.News and Fight Sports Insider 24/7.
