“It Is Difficult” – Dragomir Petrov Details Life As Police Officer While Chasing Kickboxing Dreams
Bulgarian kickboxing star Dragomir Petrov hasn’t become one of the toughest European strikers overnight. It’s a grift honed over the course of many years of hard work, while also doubling up as a police officer.
The two-time SENSHI European Champion returns at SENSHI 31: Gladiators against RIZIN standout Hirokatsu Miyagi in the opening round of the lightweight Grand Prix this Saturday, 30th May, at Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s Ancient Theatre.
If you rely on social media, you’ll be led to believe that many fighters are training full-time and making money. But that isn’t always the truth for the best in the world. For Petrovic, his training is funded by policing the mean streets of Bulgaria each and every day.
After a lengthy shift dealing with society’s most undesirable figures, the easy option would be to return home, crack open a beer and watch one day blur into the next. But that’s not the Petrov way. Instead, he’s straight to the gym, chasing glory.
“I will not hide it, it is difficult. Because I work 12-hour shifts, and not behind a desk but out in the field. Every shift is different and demanding in its own way,” he revealed.
“And afterward, I still need to find the strength and concentration for a full training session in the gym so that I can prepare and compete at a professional level.”
Combat sports isn’t just a side hustle to Petrov. It is his calling.
There have certainly been testing times for the former 2023 and 2024 SENSHI European Champion. Much like when he was defeated this time last year for the gold inside the Ancient Theatre by Andrei Kedves. But it’s his circle that keeps him committed.
In Petrov’s mind, going alone only gets you so far. Going together allows you to achieve much more, and he credits his friends and coaches for enabling him to reach great heights.
“My decision to pursue combat sports was influenced primarily by the environment I was in at the time. I became passionate about the sport together with my friends, who are now also my coaches,” he said.
“Training with people who want the same things as you brings me tremendous satisfaction, and I feel genuine support as I continue my journey upward.”
This Saturday, Petrov looks to wipe away a recent spell of losses. It was the first time in his career he’s lost two fights in a row – a streak he’s eager to bring to an end.
The lightweight Grand Prix presents a multitude of threats. His first opponent, Miyagi, is a former RISE standout and two-weight TENKAICHI champion. Having taken part in Grand Prix’s before, Petrov knows better than to overlook his initial opponent. But should he progress to the latter stages where he’ll have a short time to prepare for a new adversary, the Bulgarian brute is confident he’ll prevail with the gold in front of his compatriots.
“I am excited by the challenge and the high level of all the fighters. It is a very demanding format, but at the end of the evening, only one of us will be crowned champion. I will step into the ring with all my heart and do everything possible to become the champion.”
SENSHI 31 will be live and free to watch on YouTube this Saturday, 30th May from 5:30pm for UK viewers.
READ MORE: Khamzat Chimaev Aims To “Kill” Sean Strickland In The Rematch In A Now Deleted X Post
Recent posts
