Regian Eersel reclaimed the ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Title from Alexis Nicolas in the main event of ONE Fight Night 25.
“The Immortal” started hot against the French talent and stayed strong through the championship rounds to earn a unanimous decision victory in Bangkok, Thailand. The complete performance also served as a plate of crow to his staunchest detractors.
“Of course, people were doubting me, especially the French fans. I got a lot of messages saying that I was going to sleep. But that only added fuel to the fire. It only motivated me, and you saw the result,” Eersel told ONE after ONE Fight Night 25.
“I’m very satisfied [that I avenged my only loss in ONE]. It’s one of the best things. I’m very happy.”
Nicolas worked himself back into the match and scored points of his own. The ability to match Eersel showed the first victory was not a fluke.
Eersel offered up some thoughts on his rival after the event.
“Alexis is a challenging opponent because of his fighting style. He’s very quick. His fighting [style] is unique, but you saw I found the key to beat him,” the Surinamese star remarked.
“I knew in the last [round] I was winning the fight. I was scoring more points.”
Eersel shot down the possibility of a trilogy with Nicolas as his next bout. Instead, he wants to put on the four-ounce gloves next.
“The Immortal” is excited to defend the ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Title while the lightweight kickboxing division works itself out.
“No, [I don’t think we should have a trilogy fight with Nicolas] right now. Maybe in the future,” Eersel stated.
“I hope my next fight will be in Muay Thai because the position is waiting for me. It took a long time to defend my Muay Thai belt, so I think now it’s time.”
“First, I’m going to enjoy this victory, then we will talk about my next opponent. It can be anybody. Just bring them to me. I have no names. ONE can line them up for me.”
Eersel is also not shutting the door to more creative options. The Surinamese star mentioned he would be open to a mixed-rules bout, but it was clear it was not at the top of his list.
Still, the lightweight king is intrigued by the challenge.
“I can do a mixed-rules fight. Not MMA. It would take more preparation, and it’s not one of my goals,” Eersel said.
“What’s most exciting about a mixed-rules fight is you can fight [in] almost all of the disciplines. And it’s a challenge. I like challenges. We have to challenge ourselves – that’s why we’re here.”