SENSHI 29 is already part of history, but the adrenaline from the spectacular fight gala in Varna continues to keep combat sports fans excited.
Ali Yuzeir and Zhulien Rikov are two of the Bulgarian fighters who secured victories at the final SENSHI event of 2025, held on December 6. Following their major successes in the professional ring, they appeared on Bulgaria ON AIR television, bringing their prestigious championship trophies into the studio.
“The emotion was really great. The preparation was tough. The hardest part was the sparring sessions. Conditioning training, technique, and finally sparring,” Yuzeir shared on the program Bulgaria Sutrin.
“My fight ended in the very first round with a technical knockout. My opponent and I had fought a week before SENSHI 29, and that match also ended in my favor. This was a rematch—we knew each other’s strengths, so there was no need for studying one another. The fight started straight away,” he added.
According to the Varna-based kickboxer Ali Yuzeir, when you are more technical, your punching power is greater and it costs you less energy during the fight itself.
“My victory came after a difficult road. A lot of sacrifices and hard work. But with perseverance, everything can be achieved. Every victory brings a hunger for more wins—to prove yourself on a world-class stage and keep moving forward,” Rikov told Bulgaria ON AIR in turn.
According to Julien Ricov, technique and speed are the most important qualities. Strength and explosiveness are also key factors. “For our club, this is what matters most and what brings us success. In almost all of my fights, I am more patient at the beginning and wait for the right moment,” the fighter noted.
The full interview with the two Bulgarian fighters, Ali Yuzeir and Zhulien Rikov, can be watched on the Bulgaria ON AIR television website.
