In just a year and a half, Aibek Amanov has gone from a disappointed finalist to a world champion in the organization’s amateur league and a debutant among the professionals in SENSHI’s toughest tournament format. An inspiring journey that proves in combat sports, opportunity comes to those who are prepared.
In 2024, at the KWU SENSHI World Cup for Amateurs in Kamchia, Bulgaria, the 19-year-old Kazakh entered as a rising star—a two-time Asian Kyokushin champion and a World Championship medalist. Despite competing under an unfamiliar ruleset featuring gloves, head strikes, elbows, and throws, he reached the final, only to lose the title in dramatic fashion after a doctor stopped the fight due to a cut—a heavy blow for the young fighter.
A year later, Amanov returned to the KWU SENSHI World Cup for Amateurs even more determined—and this time, he left no doubt about his class. In 2025, he claimed the title in the under 75 kg division and set his sights on the next challenge—the professional SENSHI stage. After his triumph, his dream grew even bigger, and he set a clear goal: to fight on the international SENSHI professional promotion.
at the beginning of 2026, when he received an invitation to compete as a reserve fighter in the SENSHI 30 Grand Prix tournament in the under 75 kg division. Amanov won his reserve bout against Viktor Krashevski and waited—hoping for an unexpected turn. Fight after fight passed, and his chances seemed to fade—until the final semifinal, when one of the fighters was knocked out.
The door to real fighting glory opened. A spot in the bronze match became available—but first, another test awaited. The winners of the reserve bouts had to face each other to decide who would take the vacant place. Amanov had just 10 minutes to prepare—glove up, warm up, and seize the moment. Tension was at its peak, while the crowd remained unaware of the drama unfolding backstage. He stepped into a decisive clash against Portugal fighter Fernando Tigre, in a bout that turned into an all-out war. After three intense rounds that electrified the crowd, Amanov secured the victory with a strong push in the final moments.
With almost no time to recover, he faced experienced Moldovan fighter Constantin Rusu in the long-awaited bout for third place. Despite the physical and mental toll, Amanov showed remarkable resilience, going the full three rounds. He delivered an outstanding performance and gave everything he had, but ultimately fell short against the more experienced opponent. The crowd in Varna, however, sent him off with applause—for the heart and fighting spirit he displayed in the ring.
Amanov fought three bouts—the same number as the tournament finalists—and secured a prestigious fourth place finish. A debut on SENSHI’s elite stage that not only impressed, but also made a strong statement about his future.
“Among professionals, it’s much tougher—and that’s exactly what I like,” he said after the gala night. He had waited two years for this opportunity—to make his dream come true.
Aibek Amanov’s story is only just beginning. His next goal is clear—the SENSHI Grand Prix title in the under 75 kg division. Sometimes, the greatest stories start exactly like this—with a quiet dream, a powerful opportunity, patience, and the courage to pursue it.
Text: Prolet Vasileva
