SENSHI 22 International Combat Gala Night was a true spectacle brimming with surprises. From intense battles to electrifying emotions, the event offered diverse fights for the live audience and viewers at home. The night featured five pivotal finals of the KWU SENSHI World Cup for Amateurs, two European SENSHI title defenses, a heartfelt marriage proposal, and a jubilant “Yes” – all contributing to an unforgettable evening. The event took place on July 6th on the beach in St. St. Constantine and Helena, Varna, Bulgaria.
Fight 6
Delyan Georgiev lived up to expectations with a knockout over Lucas Tenorio, although the bout did not face a crisis in the first round. The Brazilian was the classier fighter on the ground, and his guillotine choke almost succeeded if not for the bell signaling the end of the round. The Bulgarian then realized that the match should continue in a standing position, and in the third round, he knocked out his opponent almost immediately after play resumed. “When choking, I wouldn’t give up during a match. I don’t tap into training, either. He had a tight grip, but I didn’t think about giving up at all,” the Bulgarian emphasized. “Yes, I was really surprised by his style. I’ve watched his previous fights, but I didn’t know he could switch levels so easily. I expected us to spend more time on the ground,” commented the Brazilian.
Fight 7
Marcio de Jesus showcased his excellent technical skills to dominate Madalin Craciunica in their KWU Full Contact clash at SENSHI 22. The Brazilian displayed enviable defensive skills, and his volleys are sure to find a place in the night’s highlights. Jesus also landed the better punches, leaving the referees with no choice but to raise his hand. Marcio Jesus may have picked up a victory over Madalyn Craciunica at SENSHI 22, but he wasn’t completely satisfied with his performance and promised more the next time he returned to the International Fighting Gala.
Fight 8
Dragomir Petrov officially returned to winning ways at SENSHI 22 with a convincing decision over Bartosz Botwina. The Bulgarian was more active in the ring, despite his opponent’s constant attempts to clinch, which gave him an advantage on the judges’ cards. Botwina needed a knockout to win, but the difference in skill levels was in Petrov’s favor. “In two weeks, something very big will happen in my career. I think this is a very good time for me to make a name for myself in the world ring,” Drago told Boec.bg. Bartosz Botwina ended up on the losing end of his fight with Dragomir Petrov at SENSHI 22, but he still leaves the country with positive feelings, impressed with the treatment he received from the organizing team.
Fight 9
With his devastating power, Jimmy Livinus undoubtedly claimed the Knockout of the Night award by stopping Mbamba Cauwenbergh inside the first round. The Dutchman knocked his opponent down in the middle of the round and soon after finished what he started by sending the Belgian to the ground, who could not get up before sensei Everton Teixeira counted him out. The 29-year-old Livinus hints at his immense potential in SENSHI’s 95 kg division. Mbamba Cauwenbergh showed a gentlemanly demeanor after his loss to Jimmy Livinus at SENSHI 22, acknowledging his opponent’s superiority. “My new weight of 93-95 kg was difficult for me. His being taller was also a problem. I admit, he is good,” the Belgian told Boec.bg.
Fight 10
Ariel Machado pulled off perhaps the biggest surprise at SENSHI 22, turning around his matchup with Giannis Stoforidis after falling to two knockdowns early in the first round. The Brazilian had to go into survival mode, and it looked like the bell really saved him as he looked set to lose within just three minutes. The turning point came in the second half when, in a clinch, Giannis dropped his guard despite clear instructions to guard it at all times. Ariel landed a right hook and took him down to start the reversal. Stoforidis signaled that he could continue, but a few seconds later, he was knocked down again and was unable to get up. “I’m happy to be able to fight here in front of so many legends like Ernesto Hoost and Sam Greco. It’s a real pleasure. I’ve been working my whole life for this moment, for this belt. I’m happy to be here today,” said Ariel Machado. Giannis Stoforidis collected his first loss in the SENSHI ring after being knocked out by Ariel Machado during the 22nd edition of the international fighting gala near Varna. He fell victim to an error, both his own and the referee’s that cost him what was effectively a game-win. “In the first round, everything was going well, but when the referee told us to stop in the second, I put my hands down and got knocked down. It wasn’t fair, and I must get a rematch,” the Greek told Boec.bg.
Fight 11
Rade Opacic and Daniel Lentie met expectations for a heavyweight clash, showcasing their astonishing power in the ring at SENSHI 22. The Cameroonian started much more aggressively and even got a knockdown. However, the Serbian showed character and turned the match around with much better defense and by exploiting his height advantage. Lentie stood up after one knockdown, but on the next one, he only had the strength to wait for the count of 10 and remove the mouthguard. Opacic also shared that this was his first time in the ring in six months, and he definitely felt a little rusty. This is also the reason for his slower start. He intends to learn from his mistakes, but still, a win is a win, and he takes it for what it is.
Fight 12
SENSHI 22 is undoubtedly turning into one of the nights of surprises, as we now have a new European champion after Samo Petje triumphed over Atanas Bozhilov thanks to a medical knockout. A large cut opened up over Atanas’s left eye in the third round. The doctor could not stop the bleeding within 1-2 minutes, leading to the termination of the match. Before that, the first round went to the Slovenian, thanks to his heavy proper high kicks. Bozhilov likely won the second round due to the better and more accurate combinations he landed. The victory still went to Samo Petje, and he will take home the European title in the 75-kilos category. “Yes, I would give him a rematch. I’m not the type of person to make excuses. I want to fight him again because he is a fighter. I know the audience will want to see it, too. This will be a great opportunity for me and Atanas,” said Petje.
Fight 13
Eduard Aleksanyan defended his European title with a second-round knockout over Jakob Styben. The first round was quite contested between them, but Edu was a real hurricane in the second, knocking the German down twice. The second knockdown came almost at the final bell. Eduard Aleksanyan made a successful return at SENSHI 22 to defend his European title, but perhaps the biggest reward for him was that his partner stepped into the ring, and he asked for her hand in marriage, to which she said YES! The marriage proposal was the climax of the evening, and the audience quite deservedly greeted the future Mrs. Aleksanyan with a powerful ovation. The day will surely go down in SENSHI history as one of the most emotional.
You can watch the full fights HERE
