The SENSHI Grand Prix champion in the 75 kg division, Zhulien Rikov, was highlighted in an extensive feature published in one of Bulgaria’s most established newspapers—the daily Trud.

The media outlet told the story of the young kickboxer from Dobrich and his major victory, which captured the audience’s hearts from the very beginning of the Grand Prix tournament in Varna and saw him dominate the ring of the international fighting promotion SENSHI. The champion impressed everyone with his fighting spirit and demonstrated a lion’s heart, becoming—at just 19 years old—the youngest fighter to win the prestigious title.

The feature article was published in the leading Bulgarian newspaper “Trud” on March 25, 2026. The full text is also available on the media’s website under the title “The Kickboxing Champion Who Was Ahead of His Time.”

There are victories that seem logical. And there are those that redefine what feels possible. The story of Zhulien Rikov belongs to the latter. It does not simply add a new name to the list of Bulgaria’s kickboxing champions—it raises an almost philosophical question: how early can the peak arrive?

On February 28, Bulgaria gained a new sporting pride. Zhulien Rikov won the first Grand Prix championship title in the 75 kg division of the international fighting promotion SENSHI, during a gala night held in Varna, Bulgaria. At just 19 years old, the kickboxer from Sports Club Desant (Dobrich) entered the tournament as the youngest participant and left the ring as the lightweight champion. His path to the title, however, was neither short nor easy—three bouts, 10 rounds, an extra fourth round in the semifinal, and a tough final against an opponent who had previously finished his matches by knockout.

Even before stepping into the ring, Rikov is convinced that success begins far from the spotlight. “Victories are built long before the fight itself—in training, in discipline, and in effort,” he says. This is not a cliché, but a working formula—especially when it becomes a daily routine. His preparation is structured to simulate the most demanding scenario: three fights with short breaks, maximum physical load, and intense psychological pressure.

This very preparation proves decisive in the semifinal against Konstantin Rusu—a bout that goes beyond standard limits and is decided in an extra round. At the point where tactics begin to уступ ground to endurance, Rikov finds his edge. “I managed to maintain a better pace in the later rounds,” he explains—a detail that often makes the difference between promise and realization.

The final against the experienced fighter Christian Baya presents the young Bulgarian with an even greater challenge—an opponent with extensive professional experience and strong momentum from two quick knockouts on his way to the final. In such situations, mental strength is just as important as physical ability. Rikov, however, turns the weight of the demanding rounds and accumulated fatigue into an advantage. For him, the seven rounds leading up to the final are not exhaustion, but proof that he has taken the harder path. Even an injury sustained earlier in the tournament does not alter his focus—it simply becomes another factor to manage.

Behind this approach lies a clear philosophy, built in the gym of kickboxing club Desant. The right combination—discipline, character, and systematic work—transforms potential into results. In a tournament where the load is extreme and mistakes are punished instantly, resilience and adaptability become key factors for success and lead to a remarkable victory.

And perhaps this is the most intriguing aspect of his story. For Rikov himself, this title is not a peak, but a stage in his development in the fighting world. “I am still at the beginning of my professional path,” he states, with a clear sense of direction and goals. His ambition is not merely to maintain what he has achieved, but to build upon it—with more experience, more international appearances, and new titles.

The victory in Varna, in front of packed stands and a Bulgarian crowd chanting his name, is a powerful symbolic moment—not only for him, but for the entire fighting community. It shows that the next generation of talented Bulgarian fighters is no longer waiting for its turn—it is taking it.

Zhulien Rikov stepped into the SENSHI Grand Prix tournament as the youngest participant, even underestimated by his competitors. By the end of the spectacular gala night, he stepped down from the arena as a true Grand Prix champion. And the most important part of his journey is yet to come.

A Promise to Albert Kraus

Zhulien Rikov had promised the Dutch legend Albert Kraus that he would win the title in Varna. “I really like his style,” exclaimed the K-1 MAX world champion. “He is a very good kid and confident in himself. I think Zhulien has a very good chance to win the tournament.”

The goal of his club, Desant, is not only to shape strong fighters, but also to build good and honorable individuals. “Rikov’s preparation was very tough,” says his coach Dragomir Yordanov. “We simulated a tournament-level fight with three bouts and short breaks. He went through it and demonstrated his abilities. Our goal is to train good fighters who become quality people.”

Grant Waterman, one of the most well-known commentators of SENSHI 30 Grand Prix, also did not hide his admiration for the Bulgarian fighter. “He showed true championship spirit—that’s what won me over,” the sports journalist said.