LIVE
Share on Facebook
Bulgarian fighter Zhulien Rikov is the Grand Champion of the SENSHI Grand Prix at 75 kg, after an impressive run to the title. In a single night, he fought a total of 10 rounds across three extremely demanding bouts, overcoming three high-level opponents to claim the first belt in the history of the division.
In the final, the 19-year-old from Dobrich — and the youngest competitor in the bracket — faced the most experienced fighter in the tournament, 35-year-old Christian Baya from the Democratic Republic of Congo, who had reached the final with two quick knockouts. In the decisive clash, Rikov showed maturity and composure beyond his years to secure a convincing victory.
Speaking to bTV, the Bulgarian champion revealed that the key to his success was using his height and reach advantage, along with precise distance control, which allowed him to impose his game plan. He emphasized that the championship belt is the result of years of hard work, discipline, and sacrifices.
Rikov shared that he has been involved in sports his entire life — starting with swimming, football, and boxing — before ultimately dedicating himself fully to kickboxing, the sport that truly captured his passion. An interesting detail is that one of his toughest critics is his own mother, who was present in the arena but chose not to watch the final bout.
With his outstanding performance and victory, achieved despite being the youngest fighter in the SENSHI Grand Prix, Zhulien Rikov fully earned his nickname — “The Lionheart.”
Watch the full interview here:
