Ray Sefo, legendary K-1 World Grand Prix finalist and multiple-time world champion, joins SENSHI 30 in Bulgaria, bringing elite combat sports prestige and K-1 era legacy to Varna.
The 30th anniversary edition of SENSHI is turning into a full-scale reunion of the golden K-1 era. With the launch of the first-ever SENSHI Grand Prix in the -75 kg division, the organization is not only introducing a competitive format — it is bringing back the legends who defined heavyweight kickboxing at the turn of the millennium.
The latest iconic name to add to the royalty lineup is Ray Sefo — a six-time World Kickboxing & Muay Thai Champion and one of the most respected heavyweights in combat sports history. Sefo will attend SENSHI 30 as a special guest and will make his debut as an instructor at the SENSHI International Training Camp, held from February 26 to March 1 in Varna, Bulgaria.
A Golden Era Brotherhood Reunited
SENSHI has steadily gathered some of the biggest names from the K-1 golden years. Semmy Schilt, Ernesto Hoost, Albert Kraus, Andy Souwer, Nicolas Pettas, and Sam Greco have become regular figures at the event — serving as referees, instructors, and ambassadors of elite striking.
Now, standing beside them is a man who once stood across the ring in battles for the sport’s most prestigious titles.
Ray Sefo’s résumé speaks for itself:
- 6-Time World Kickboxing & Muay Thai Champion
- K-1 World Grand Prix 2000 Runner-Up
- WKA World Super Heavyweight Champion
- WMTF World Heavyweight & Light Heavyweight Champion
- ISKA World Champion
- 3-Time Combat Sports Hall of Famer
Widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights never to win a K-1 World Grand Prix title, Sefo built his legacy through wars with the elite. He defeated world champions such as Jerome Le Banner, Peter Aerts, Stefan Leko, Mike Bernardo, and Mark Hunt.
He made his K-1 debut against none other than Ernesto Hoost — going toe-to-toe with the Dutch legend before being stopped by leg kicks. In just his third K-1 appearance, Sefo shocked the world by knocking out Jerome Le Banner in the first round, breaking the Frenchman’s jaw with his devastating right hand.
In 2000, he reached the K-1 World Grand Prix Final after eliminating Musashi and Cyril Abidi, only to fall again to his longtime rival Hoost. In 2002, he defeated Peter Aerts before losing in the semifinals to Hoost once more.
One of the most dramatic chapters of his career came in 2007 when he challenged four-time Grand Prix champion Semmy Schilt. Sefo became only the second fighter in history to knock Schilt down — a testament to his explosive power — before ultimately losing by knockout. Sefo also competed in boxing and MMA.
SENSHI 30: More Than a Tournament
The addition of Sefo strengthens the symbolic bridge between eras. SENSHI 30 is not merely introducing a -75 kg Grand Prix — it is reviving the competitive spirit, international prestige, and warrior culture that defined K-1 at its peak.
With Ray Sefo now standing alongside Semmy Schilt, Ernesto Hoost, Albert Kraus, Andy Souwer, Nicolas Pettas and Sam Greco, the legendary band of rivals-turned-mentors grows even stronger. These were once men fighting each other for the biggest titles in the world. Today, they will unite to pass on their knowledge to the next generation at the SENSHI International Camp in February 2026.
As the SENSHI 30 Grand Prix approaches, the message is clear: this is not just another event. It is a celebration of legacy — where the past, present, and future of kickboxing meet under one roof.
