Who is Pablo Molina, and why is his name attracting attention ahead of SENSHI 33 Grand Prix? On September 5, the Argentine fighter will step into the professional SENSHI ring in one of the two reserve bouts of the 95 kg Grand Prix tournament. Standing across from him will be Mike Kena from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and victory could mean much more than winning a single fight – the reserve fighters will be ready to enter the main tournament bracket if needed.
Tickets for the event are available through Eventim.bg
Behind Molina’s name already stand three consecutive KWU SENSHI World Cup for Amateurs titles, an undefeated professional record of four wins, and the No. 1 position in BoxRec’s world rankings at 95 kg.
But behind the statistics lies an extraordinary story.
When Pablo Molina arrived in Bulgaria for the inaugural KWU SENSHI World Cup for Amateurs in 2024, he did not have enough money for a round-trip plane ticket.
He could only afford the journey from Argentina to Bulgaria.
His plan was a risky one – win the tournament and use the prize money to pay for his journey back home.
Molina succeeded. In the 90 kg final, he defeated Vukan Roganović to become champion of the inaugural World Cup.
A year later, the challenge once again extended beyond the ring. To return to Bulgaria, the Argentine had to borrow money, counting on another strong result to cover his expenses.
And once again, he won.
In 2025, Molina defeated Albert Ugrinčić in the 90 kg final to become KWU SENSHI World Cup for Amateurs champion for the second consecutive year.
Three Appearances. Three Titles.
In July 2026, Molina returned to Bulgaria as a two-time champion, this time moving up to the heavier 90+ kg division.
The result remained the same.
After three fights over the course of two days, the Argentine once again reached the top, claiming his third consecutive KWU SENSHI World Cup title.
In three years, Pablo Molina entered three editions of the tournament – and left all three as champion.
From Amateur Champion to BoxRec No. 1
Alongside his success at the KWU SENSHI World Cup, Molina has also been building his professional career.
The Argentine holds an undefeated professional record of four wins and no losses, as well as WKN World and South American championship titles.
By August 2026, his name had risen to the top of the BoxRec world rankings for professional kickboxers at 95 kg. Behind him in the standings are American fighter Myron Dennis and France’s Nicolas Wamba.
That makes Molina’s appearance at SENSHI 33 Grand Prix one of the most intriguing stories heading into the upcoming fight night.
Outside the ring, Molina is described by the fighters around him as a humble and generous person. In battle, however, his character has earned him the nickname “La Montaña” – The Rock
His journey in combat sports is also connected to some of the biggest names in kickboxing history.
Andy Hug and Ernesto Hoost were among the fighters who inspired him as a child. Molina grew up watching their fights and studying their styles as he took his first steps in martial arts.
On September 5, that story will come full circle.
Molina will step into the SENSHI ring, while four-time K-1 World Grand Prix champion Ernesto Hoost will be in Varna as part of the organization’s star-studded team of referees and judges.
Next Stop – SENSHI 33 Grand Prix
The invitation for Pablo Molina comes after three years in which he has consistently proven his abilities in front of the SENSHI team and its legendary champions.
In fact, the opportunity to take this step was supposed to come earlier. A year ago, Molina received an invitation to compete on the professional SENSHI stage, but an accident prevented him from taking that opportunity.
Now, he gets another chance.
On September 5 in Varna, Pablo Molina will face Mike Kena in one of the two reserve bouts of the SENSHI 33 Grand Prix.
The role of the reserve fighters is particularly important in a one-night tournament. The eight main competitors will battle through quarterfinals, semifinals and the final, while the program also includes a third-place fight. Should one of the main fighters suffer an injury or be unable to continue, a reserve fighter could be called upon to enter the tournament bracket.
That means Molina is coming to SENSHI 33 for more than just another fight.
Two years ago, he arrived in Bulgaria with a one-way ticket and the need to win in order to make it back home. Three World Cup titles later, “La Montaña” returns as BoxRec’s No. 1-ranked fighter and with an opportunity to take the next major step in his career on the professional SENSHI stage.
SENSHI 33 Grand Prix is organized with the support of the Professional League of the Kyokushin World Union (KWU International Professional League), as well as the special support of Armeec Insurance JSC, MAX Sport, Bulgaria Air, M Car Group – BMW Dealer, and Sts. Constantine and Helena Holding.
Media partners of SENSHI 33 Grand Prix are Boec.bg and Boec.com, Bulgaria ON AIR, MAX Sport, DIEMA, Beyond Kickboxing, Gol.bg, Sportal.bg, Dir.bg, Topsport.bg, KWUSENSHI.com, KWUnion.com, KyokushinKarate.News, Fighto.News, and Fight Sports Insider 24/7.
