Bulgarian kickboxing celebrated a memorable night in Sofia as Martin Koprivlenski captured his first MAX FIGHT title with a stunning fourth-round knockout over Spain’s Victor Monfort.
The victory, delivered with a perfectly timed high kick, marked a major milestone in the Burgas native’s rising career and positioned him firmly among the sport’s most promising European talents.
The highly anticipated bout headlined the MAX FIGHT gala, drawing an enthusiastic crowd eager to witness the younger brother of Bulgaria’s celebrated kickboxer, Stoyan Koprivlenski, pursue his breakthrough moment.
Martin entered the ring with calm determination, showing technical precision from the opening bell. Monfort, known for his power and resilience, responded with aggression, setting the pace for an intense tactical clash.
The turning point arrived in the third round, widely regarded by analysts and fans in the arena as Koprivlenski’s strongest frame. The Bulgarian fighter showcased seamless combinations, fluid movement, and well-measured distance control, forcing Monfort onto the defensive.
A series of body strikes visibly affected the Spanish competitor, who struggled to maintain control as Koprivlenski steadily increased the pressure. Momentum carried into the fourth round, where the decisive moment unfolded. Within seconds of the restart, Monfort found himself on the canvas after a thunderous high kick landed with pinpoint accuracy.
The referee intervened immediately, signaling a knockout victory that sent the Bulgarian audience into celebration. For Koprivlenski, the triumph was not only a display of athletic skill but a defining step into the top tier of MAX FIGHT competitors.
After the match, an emotional Koprivlenski shared his excitement about reaching this long-awaited milestone. “I’m happy—this is a long-awaited moment,” he told reporters inside the ring. “It’s my fourth victory in 2025. I’ll give myself about ten days of rest, and then I’m back in the gym.” His comments reflected a disciplined mindset and the hunger to build on his newfound momentum.
Despite having only two losses in his professional kickboxing career, Koprivlenski has often been regarded as an under-the-radar talent, overshadowed at times by the international success of his brother Stoyan. However, his performance in Sofia demonstrated maturity, endurance, and championship-level striking, signaling that he is ready to carve out his own legacy in the sport.
The evening’s celebrations did not end there for Bulgarian fight fans. Minutes after Koprivlenski’s victory, another rising star, Martin Petkov, secured the MAX FIGHT lightweight championship (up to 70 kg). Petkov faced Armando Rosario in a high-intensity bout contested under Muay Thai rules with MMA gloves—an unusual format that demands both precision and durability.
Petkov showcased impressive skill, balancing offensive aggression with disciplined defense against Rosario, who is known for his clinch strength and close-quarters striking. The Bulgarian fighter controlled the tempo with effective knees and well-timed counters, ultimately earning the judges’ decision and claiming the lightweight crown.
For the young athlete, the victory reinforced his status as one of Bulgaria’s most promising combat sports figures. The dual triumphs of Koprivlenski and Petkov made the Sofia gala a night to remember for Bulgaria’s combat sports community.
With both fighters demonstrating exceptional form and resilience, the MAX FIGHT event highlighted the depth of talent emerging from the country’s kickboxing and Muay Thai scene. Analysts believe the success of local fighters could drive greater international interest in future events hosted in Bulgaria.
As fans left the arena, many expressed pride and excitement for what lies ahead. For Koprivlenski, the journey toward larger stages has just begun, and his knockout victory will undoubtedly serve as a powerful launchpad.
For Petkov, the lightweight title marks the next chapter in a steadily rising career. Together, their achievements made the Sofia gala a landmark moment for Bulgarian martial arts and a strong indicator of the talent the country continues to produce.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members