Gladiator Arena at SENSHI 31 Gladiators at the Ancient Theatre in Plovdiv
A spectacular clash of strength, technique and fighting spirit at the SENSHI 31 Gladiators international fight gala Plovdiv is set to become a true gladiator arena as SENSHI 31 Gladiators takes over the Ancient Theatre on 30 May. The event will feature the first SENSHI Grand Prix tournament in Plovdiv, bringing together competitors in the up to 70 kg category, along with a special encounter with some of the legends of kickboxing. The international fight gala will feature world-renowned kickboxers from 14 countries, while more than 260 fighters and legendary martial arts coaches will take part in the wider SENSHI programme at the Ancient Theatre. Three months earlier in Varna, Julien Rikov became the first Bulgarian fighter to win a major international Grand Prix title in the global SENSHI fighting series. Ahead of the Plovdiv event, he shared what spectators can expect from the spectacular night of combat sports. “One of the leading international fighting organisations, SENSHI, is holding a tournament in Plovdiv and we can promise a spectacular show. There will be 18 competitors from 14 countries. Each fight consists of three three-minute rounds. What makes this event even more exciting is the Grand Prix tournament, which will be part of every SENSHI edition until the end of the year. Unlike a traditional gala night, where fighters usually compete in a single bout, this tournament will feature an elimination format. The winner will have to fight three times to claim the title,” explained kickboxing champion Julien Rikov. Rikov noted that competing in several consecutive fights is extremely demanding, meaning that victory will go to the fighter who is not only physically well prepared, but also tactically disciplined and mentally resilient. In his view, becoming a champion requires a combination of many different qualities. The 19-year-old fighter says that every aspect of the sport is challenging – from the intense preparation to the battles inside the ring. As in life, success requires hard work, discipline, sacrifice and perseverance. Following his Grand Prix victory, fans gave Julien Rikov the nickname “Lionheart.” “I probably got the nickname because I was the youngest competitor, fought the most matches and still managed to win,” the kickboxing champion said. Fernet Bulgaria is among the event partners, providing technical equipment and support for the organisation of SENSHI 31 Gladiators.
