Still dreaming at just 18 years old, Moni Nikolov aspires to be like Micah Christenson.
Christenson, Team USA’s legendary setter, has already earned iconic status while still representing his country.
Meanwhile, Nikolov is one of men’s volleyball’s rising playmaker stars, having led Long Beach State University to the 2025 NCAA championship.
On Thursday night, in front of over 10,000 fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Nikolov not only faced his idol on the sport’s grandest stage — but defeated him.
Bulgaria mounted a comeback for the ages, stunning the United States, 21-25, 19-25, 25-17, 25-22, 15-13, to secure a spot in the semifinals of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
“First of all, you can learn so much from this guy. He is, if not the best setter,” Nikolov said after Bulgaria’s reverse sweep of the Americans.
“I’ve had the chance to play against him twice in friendlies, and I analyzed his game — it was incredible. I hope one day I can reach his level,” he continued.
“But even just beating him is something I will never forget.”
Christenson has been named Best Setter multiple times on the global stage: three times in the VNL, twice in the World Cup, and once in the World Championship. He has also led Team USA to multiple podium finishes, including two gold medals in the World Cup and two Olympic bronzes.
With this epic match now behind them, some saw it as a clash of the present and the future. But for Nikolov, it was a battle of the present versus the present.
Bulgaria will now aim for a spot in the championship match and a guaranteed medal when it faces Czechia in the semifinals on Saturday at 2:30 PM.
#WATCH: Bulgaria’s Moni Nikolov relishes the chance to go head-to-head with USA’s legendary setter Micah Christenson 🇧🇬🏐#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/2AqPZ00Vt4
📹 @justinvalencia_ /Tiebreaker Times#MWCH2025 pic.twitter.com/3pc0VePvlv
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) September 25, 2025
