Benjamin Adegbuyi is gearing up for SENSHI 31, and a significant highlight on his record remains the spectacular third-round knockout of Badr Hari at GLORY 76. This victory stands as one of the most pivotal moments in the career of the heavyweight fighter, who has consistently competed at the highest echelons of kickboxing for years.
Adegbuyi’s prominence in the elite heavyweight division is further underscored by his two previous challenges for the GLORY heavyweight title against Rico Verhoeven. SENSHI highlights his impressive record of 35 wins, with 20 by knockout, against 10 losses and one no contest. His tournament victories at GLORY 24 and GLORY 50 solidified his reputation as a formidable heavyweight contender.
The knockout of Badr Hari, a widely recognized figure in heavyweight kickboxing, was a defining win for Adegbuyi. He himself ranks this achievement among his top career accomplishments, alongside his title bouts with Verhoeven. This victory significantly elevated Adegbuyi’s profile, especially at a time when he was already known but seeking a breakthrough win against a major name.
Now, Adegbuyi is set to return on May 30 at SENSHI 31 in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. He will face Bulgarian heavyweight Daniel Dinev in a super fight in the 95+ kg category, held at the historic Ancient Theatre, a venue that once hosted gladiator contests.
Daniel Dinev brings a commendable background to this bout. He is a 14-time Bulgarian heavyweight champion, a bronze medalist at the 2023 World Championships, the 2024 European vice-champion, a two-time World Cup winner (2024 and 2025), and the 2025 European Cup winner. This impressive resume positions him as a strong contender in one of the card’s most anticipated fights.
For Adegbuyi, this fight represents an opportunity to demonstrate that he still belongs among elite heavyweights after years of facing top-tier competition. He expressed confidence and eagerness to return to the ring, emphasizing respect and sportsmanship while stating his intention to “just be myself.” This approach reflects a veteran fighter relying on his experience and power.
Adegbuyi also acknowledged that Dinev should bring his best, as he aims to test himself against formidable opposition. He noted the inherent risk in such a high-stakes bout, where a single decisive blow can alter the outcome quickly.
SENSHI 31 features more than just the heavyweight clash. The event is headlined by an eight-man 70 kg Grand Prix, with quarterfinal matchups including Angelo Volpe vs. Samo Petje, Aissam Chadid vs. Bruno Gazani, Hirokatsu Miyagi vs. Dragomir Petrov, and Zehao Zhang vs. Marian Lapusneanu. The card also includes reserve bouts and other super fights, such as Bart Horvath vs. Atanas Bozhilov (75 kg) and Mantas Rimdeika vs. Thomas Bridgewater (95+ kg).
Adegbuyi has a history of competing in high-profile fights, bearing the pressure of title contention, and maintaining visibility throughout his extensive heavyweight career. The knockout of Badr Hari remains a testament to his peak performance, and SENSHI 31 offers him another platform to prove he still possesses considerable fighting prowess. If Adegbuyi brings his A-game to Plovdiv, the fight could conclude swiftly.
