On the eve of the new format of the professional fight night SENSHI 28 Grand Prix, Dutch combat sports legend and one of the leading faces of SENSHI, Ernesto Hoost, gave an exclusive interview to the renowned UK sports media Bloody Elbow.
In his interview with the English media outlet, he spoke about the challenges of his fighting career and his current role within the SENSHI team as a head instructor at the international martial arts camps in Bulgaria, as well as referee, judge, and commentator at the professional fight nights.
Throughout his incredible kickboxing career, Ernesto Hoost shared the ring with some of the greatest icons in combat sports. The four-time K-1 champion left behind an outstanding legacy as one of the all-time greats after his final bout in 2014.
Although “Mr. Perfect” still feels disappointed by his shocking defeats against Bob Sapp, he also achieved some remarkable victories that truly define his legacy. He is the only kickboxer to have defeated Mirko Filipović three times. Having faced many different fighting styles and challenges throughout his career, Hoost recently shared his perspective on overcoming tough opponents and memorable encounters.
The success he achieved as a coach and mentor in the Netherlands – a natural continuation of his in-ring career – eventually brought him, for the first time, to Bulgaria seven years ago, where he became a head instructor in the SENSHI International Martial Arts Camps. His work with the organization came at a difficult time in his life, after a series of less successful decisions, and turned out to be a key turning point.
“Famous figures from the fighting scene are often invited to attend different sports events or seminars, but SENSHI has a special approach to legendary fighters, and it impresses me more with every edition.”
Since then, as a member of the Board of Directors of KWU SENSHI, Hoost has been passing on his valuable lessons to the next generation of ambitious fighters gathering from all over the world at the SENSHI training camps. He will return once again to the camp in Bulgaria in a few days.
From September 11 to 14, 2025, Varna, Bulgaria, will host the next large-scale SENSHI International Martial Arts Camp, where kickboxing masterclasses will be personally led by Ernesto Hoost, alongside other Dutch greats – Semmy Schilt, Albert Kraus, and Andy Souwer. On September 13, the seaside city will also be shaken by the first-ever direct-elimination heavyweight tournament in the series – SENSHI 28 Grand Prix. Tickets for the 28th edition of the fight night are available through the network of Eventim.bg.
The full video interview with Ernesto Hoost, along with an article featuring highlights and quotes, can be found on the media website:BloodyElbow.com.
