What is the SENSHI Grand Prix? — British Star Rhys Brudenell Suffers Unfortunate Defeat in Final

Combat sports fans are buzzing after the recent SENSHI Grand Prix tournament in Varna, Bulgaria. The first-ever SENSHI Heavyweight Grand Prix (95+ kg division) crowned a new champion, saw explosive fights, and showcased both rising stars and battle-tested veterans. Among them was England’s own Rhys Brudenell, who made a deep run to the final but ultimately came up short. Let’s break down the tournament, what SENSHI is all about, and how the final played out.

What Is SENSHI Grand Prix?

SENSHI is a combat sports gala and promotion notable for its mix of rules, often including full-contact kickboxing, super fights, and in this case, a full heavyweight Grand Prix. The “Grand Prix” format means multiple fights in one night: quarterfinals, semifinals, and then the final. Fighters need stamina, skill, and strategy not just for one bout, but for several in succession. In SENSHI 28, held in September 2025 in Varna, the Grand Prix was for the heavyweight division, featuring eight fighters and a reserve bout. The format tests not only ability but endurance, since winners must fight multiple times in a single evening to claim the title.

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SENSHI 28: Things to Know

It was the inaugural heavyweight Grand Prix under the SENSHI banner, marking the first time they ran a full tournament format at heavyweight. Samed Agdeve of Turkey, at just 21 years old, won the tournament. He impressed throughout the night with knockouts in his early bouts and a dominant unanimous decision in the final. Rhys Brudenell of England also had a standout performance, winning both his quarterfinal and semifinal matches before facing Agdeve in the final.

Rhys Brudenell’s Journey & the Final

Rhys Brudenell demonstrated grit and determination throughout the Grand Prix. In the quarterfinals, he defeated Francesko Xhaja by TKO with a relentless offensive display. In the semifinals, he secured a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Bruno Chaves, proving his stamina and composure under pressure. In the final, he went head-to-head with Samed Agdeve. Brudenell put forth a strong performance and gave it everything he had, but ultimately fell short, losing by unanimous decision. Agdeve’s precision, power, and ability to control the distance were key factors in his win.

What This Means & Looking Forward

For Agdeve, this victory cements him as one of the most exciting young heavyweights on the scene. Winning a Grand Prix in a single night showcases not only his knockout power but also his endurance and technical skill. For Brudenell, reaching the final is still a major milestone. It proves that he belongs among the top competitors and has the potential to evolve into a future champion. This experience will no doubt serve as a valuable stepping stone in his career. For SENSHI as a promotion, the event was a huge success. Hosting a tournament of this scale at heavyweight and delivering action-packed bouts has elevated their reputation in the world of combat sports. Fans can expect more thrilling tournaments like this in the future.

The SENSHI 28 Grand Prix was a night to remember, filled with drama, high-level fighting, and stories of perseverance. While Rhys Brudenell didn’t take home the trophy, his performance left a strong impression and signaled that his journey is far from over.