On July 11, the first Bulgarian SENSHI Grand Prix champion in the 75 kg division, Zhulien Rikov, will take on rising Italian star Daniele Valente in a kickboxing super fight at SENSHI 32.

Who is the Italian fighter, what does he think of his opponent, and what can fans expect from his clash with the Bulgarian champion? In an exclusive interview with Gong.bg, Valente spoke about his motivation, the most memorable victory of his career, and his expectations ahead of the fight with Zhulien Rikov.

Valente already has successful experience in the SENSHI ring, having defeated Petar Stoykov at SENSHI 24. Now he returns with the ambition of securing another prestigious victory against one of Europe's most promising young fighters. The 23-year-old, who is both the Italian Kickboxing Champion and an XFC World Champion, has been preparing intensively for the major challenge awaiting him at SENSHI 32 Grand Prix.

The international fight gala will take place at the beach arena next to More Restaurant in the St. St. Constantine and Helena resort near Varna, Bulgaria. The fight card features two super fights and an elimination Grand Prix tournament in the 85 kg division.

Daniele, on July 11 you face a tough challenge against Grand Prix champion Zhulien Rikov. What's your message to him?

He's the fighter I wanted to face in my weight division. I know he'll be well prepared, just as I am. Let's fight!

What motivated you to start training martial arts?

I started practicing combat sports because I wanted to learn how to defend myself. Another huge inspiration for me was Giorgio Petrosyan and everything he has achieved in kickboxing. Nowadays, I also closely follow the career of Portuguese fighter Miguel Trindade.

What is your most dangerous weapon as a fighter, and which personal quality do you value the most?

My mindset and my passion for competition. I never give up and I always give my absolute best. I try to be someone who inspires others and someone they can look up to.

Which victory has meant the most to you so far?

My victory over Petar Stoykov at SENSHI 24. I knew it would be an extremely difficult fight, so I prepared harder than ever before, training twice as much. We even went into an extra round, which was a completely new experience for me, but I knew I had greater endurance and a stronger desire to win. That's why I kept applying pressure until the very end and gave everything I had to earn the judges' decision.

What does competing and winning at SENSHI mean to you?

Every victory at SENSHI is a prestigious achievement in my career and proof of what I know I am capable of. It was a tremendous opportunity to compete at a SENSHI event two years ago at such an early stage of my professional career, and I managed to make the most of it. I can't wait to step back into the SENSHI ring on July 11.

What do you still want to achieve in your professional career?

I want to win the most prestigious titles and face the best fighters in the world—and beat them.

How would you like the fans to remember you after your career is over?

As a great fighter who left a lasting mark on the sport and put my hometown of Foligno on the K-1 map.