Bart Horvath Targets Statement Win in SENSHI 31 Debut Against Atanas Bolzhilov

A Long Road Back to the Biggest Stage

Slovenian-English striker Bart Horvath believes he’s always been destined for the biggest stages in combat sports; it has just taken him a little longer to get there.

Horvath arrives at the biggest stage of his career at SENSHI 31: Gladiators on Saturday, 30th May, at the Ancient Theatre in Plovdiv. That night, he takes on promotional favourite Atanas Bolzhilov in -75kg KWU full contact kickboxing action.

Kickboxing has always been Horvath’s calling. Originally hailing from Slovenia, his martial arts journey began at the age of 10. It started through his father’s love of karate, where he watched him compete on the mats and later began learning under his guidance.

Eventually, he was introduced to above-the-waist kickboxing and later transitioned to full contact and K-1, where he has found plenty of success across the British scene and throughout the European circuit.

It seemed Horvath was well on his way to achieving the success many expected of him. But things took a turn when a debilitating injury forced him onto the sidelines for more than six years, leaving him uncertain whether he would ever return to the sport.

Refusing to stay down, Horvath overcame the injury and returned to his best. Within a year of his comeback, he captured the ISKA English and British titles at 70kg, attracting attention across Europe and earning his opportunity on the grand stage of SENSHI. He refused to be defined by setbacks, and that is the message he wants to pass on to his children.

“I returned to training last year with a newfound drive,” Horvath revealed. “Now I am stepping up to European level, hopefully the ISKA European title at 70kg, and I’ve got more opportunities coming my way.

“I’m a little older and wiser now, and my motivation for fighting has changed. Now I fight for my family, my children, and to show them they should always chase their dreams no matter what. That’s what I am doing!”

Becoming a Gladiator in Plovdiv

With the warmer weather returning, SENSHI 31 heads back to the open-air Ancient Theatre in Plovdiv, a historic venue once marked by the battles of Roman soldiers. Nowadays, it is more accustomed to concerts and large gatherings, but SENSHI once again brings its kickboxing gala to the pristine arena to embrace its rich history.

Many modern sporting venues blend into one another. The location can feel secondary to the action itself. But the theatre, first built in the 1st century AD, is central to the atmosphere of SENSHI and will also host the night’s 70kg one-night Grand Prix.

For Horvath, that is an opportunity worth savouring. While his contest takes place outside the Grand Prix, he is equally excited to experience the history within the ancient walls.

“Fighting in the Ancient Theatre is awesome. It’s like something out of a video game, fighting on a special stage! I’ll be a real-life gladiator! ‘Are you not entertained?!’” Horvath relished.

“It’s the biggest stage of my career, and also the most exciting, not just as a fighter but as a martial artist too. I want to make the most of this opportunity. I’m used to rising to challenges. My past few fights have been for titles, and I always think about taking it to the next level with each and every fight.”

A Tough Test Against “Mr. SENSHI”

There is an intriguing narrative surrounding Horvath’s debut on Saturday, 30th May. While he enters the ring as a fresh face to many in attendance, his opponent Bolzhilov is a familiar figure to SENSHI supporters.

More precisely, Bolzhilov carries the nickname “Mr. SENSHI” after recording a promotional-best 11 victories.

That statistic carries little weight in Horvath’s mind. He plans to travel to Plovdiv, defeat Bolzhilov, and stamp his mark on the division.

“I believe I bring an exciting style to the SENSHI stage. The old-school K-1 style: fast and explosive! I’m known for my flying knees, but I have plenty of tools in the toolbox. Like I said, me and my team are working on many things,” he explained.

“I’m fighting the hometown hero Atanas Bolzhilov, ‘Mr. SENSHI’. I hope to surprise him and deliver an impressive performance in my debut. I want to show that I belong here, at this level and on this stage.”