For Mike Kena, the term “reserve bout” doesn’t mean much.
The 29-year-old kickboxer will make his SENSHI debut on Saturday, Sept. 5, when he faces Argentina’s Pablo Molina at SENSHI 33 in Varna, Bulgaria. The heavyweight clash serves as a reserve bout for the promotion’s 95-kilogram Grand Prix, meaning the winner could find himself called into the tournament should one of the eight participants be unable to continue.
Kena is preparing as if that opportunity will come.
“I’m here to take the belt or die trying,” Kena said in a press release provided to Combat Press.
When asked whether anyone in the tournament could stop him, his response was even shorter.
“No.”
Kena represents the Democratic Republic of the Congo while living and training in Italy. Unlike many professional fighters, his combat sports career did not begin during childhood. He started training at 21 after admittedly dealing with behavioral problems earlier in life.
Inspired by heavyweight combat sports stars Alistair Overeem and Tyrone Spong, Kena quickly made up for lost time.
Eight years later, he is a two-time Italian kickboxing champion and winner of the 2025 Nice Fight four-man tournament. He enters SENSHI 33 with a 10-1 record with one no contest, including seven victories by knockout.
Kena picked up a decision victory over Erol Konning in Aug. 2025 before suffering his lone professional defeat against Serbian heavyweight Rade Opačić two months later. He responded in Jan. 2026 with a points victory over Ali Badawi at 95 kilograms.
The loss to Opačić did little to shake Kena’s confidence.
“My mental strength,” Kena said when asked about his greatest advantage. “I always believe in my own abilities.”
That mentality will be tested against Molina.
The Argentine enters the bout as a three-time KWU SENSHI Amateur World Cup champion with extensive tournament experience. That background could become particularly important should the winner be called upon to compete again later in the evening.
Kena, however, carries the advantage in professional experience and finishing ability. He describes his fighting style simply as “emotion,” and points to his left hook as his favorite weapon.
The Congolese fighter also makes no secret about what he wants from the sport. Asked why he believes he can become SENSHI’s 95-kilogram Grand Prix champion, Kena had another straightforward response.
“Because it’s my turn.”
Before Kena can worry about the championship belt, he must get through Molina. His message for the Argentine was equally uncomplicated.
“Bring your best.”
Kena and Molina meet in the SENSHI 33 Grand Prix reserve bout on Sept. 5 in Varna, Bulgaria. The winner will remain available to enter the eight-man 95-kilogram tournament should a replacement be required.
For Kena, it could be the first fight of the night — or the beginning of a much bigger opportunity.