Reigning and undisputed ONE lightweight Muay Thai world champion and former lightweight kickboxing king 'The Immortal' Regian Eersel of Suriname and The Netherlands is out for vengeance when he faces French rival 'Barboza' Alexis Nicolas next month in a highly anticipated rematch.
Nicolas defeated Eersel, who had ruled the division with an iron fist for a long period, handing the Dutch-Surinamese star his first loss in ONE Championship in addition to taking 'The Immortal's belt.
Speaking to MMA UK in a recent interview, Eersel says he has rewatched his first fight with Nicolas multiple times now, and believes 'Barboza' simply didn't do enough to beat him.
'The Immortal' said:
"I think I fought pretty well in the first fight, but I think it was just that he did a bit more than me. I didn’t push hard enough. I’m looking to take back my title and show the world that I am the best kickboxer."
Eersel added:
"I’m coming back to take my title back and make a statement against Nicolas. It was a big upset, but I’m ready to show the world that I’m back. This time, I’m not going to let him dictate the pace of the fight. It’s time to show the world what I’m capable of."
Needless to say, this rivalry will be settled in the ring, and fans can't wait to watch Regian Eersel and Alexis Nicolas throw down once more.
'The Immortal' Regian Eersel is set to challenge ONE lightweight kickbxoing world champion 'Barboza' Alexis Nicolas in the main event of ONE Fight Night 25: Nicolas vs. Eersel II.
The event broadcasts live from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, October 4.
Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free on Amazon Prime Video. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event as it happens.
The Unstoppable Rise of 'Barboza' Nicolas
After shocking the world at ONE Fight Night 21, Alexis Nicolas knows that he has to stay focused if he wants to keep the ONE lightweight kickboxing world championship around his waist.
In April, the undefeated French sensation stunned everyone with a show-stealing performance against former two-sport king Regian Eersel to claim his first ONE world championship. In the process, 'Barboza' snapped a 22-fight unbeaten streak held by Eersel that went back a whopping eight years.
Now, Nicolas will be tasked with proving to the world that his win over 'The Immortal' was no fluke when the two kickboxing stars run it back in the ONE Friday Fights 25 headliner on Friday, Oct. 4.
Knowing that Eersel will be coming in hot in hopes of reclaiming his kickboxing belt, Nicolas recognizes that he has to stay focused if he wants to leave the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok with his title intact.
"Now I’m the king, and everybody wants to take the crown, so I have to stay focused. Make more money, build my empire, and fight, fight, fight." - Alexis Nicolas
While Alex Nicolas left the Mecca of Muay Thai earlier this year with one of the biggest prizes in all of combat sports—ONE Championship gold—the 26-year-old star was hoping to also take home a fat stack of cash.
Unfortunately, Nicolas didn't bag a $50,000 bonus for his title-winning performance against 'The Immortal,' but he'll have an opportunity to rectify that when the two warriors collide inside the Madison Square Garden of the East.
The 'Immortal's' Fight Back
Reigning and undisputed ONE lightweight Muay Thai world champion and former kickboxing king 'The Immortal' Regian Eersel admits he has finally met his match against conqueror 'Barboza' Alexis Nicolas.
Nicolas unseated Eersel from the Muay Thai throne last April at ONE Fight Night 21, losing via a five-round unanimous decision. He dominated 'The Immortal' like no one before him, and took the Dutch-Surinamese icon's gold.
Now, the two are ready to run it back, and Eersel says this time, he will not underestimate his French adversary.
Speaking to MMA UK in a recent interview, Eersel talked about his first fight with Nicolas, and why he lost that one.
'The Immortal' said:
"I think I fought pretty well in the first fight, but I think it was just that he did a bit more than me. I didn’t push hard enough. I’m looking to take back my title and show the world that I am the best kickboxer."
Needless to say, Eersel is looking to make a statement in his rematch with Nicolas, take back his gold, and prove that he was always the better fighter.
'The Immortal' Regian Eersel is looking to take back his ONE lightweight kickboxing world title when he meets 'Barboza' Alexis Nicolas in the ONE Championship ring.
The two lock horns at ONE Fight Night 25: Nicolas vs. Eersel II, which broadcasts live from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, Oct. 4.
Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free on Amazon Prime Video. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event.
The Road to Redemption
Reigning and undisputed ONE lightweight Muay Thai world champion and former kickboxing king 'The Immortal' Regian Eersel of Suriname and The Netherlands has been one of the most dominant fighters in ONE Championship over the last few years. But lately, the 31-year-old Sityodtong Amsterdam product has shown some chinks in his armor.
However, it was his knockdown against Arian Sadikovic that Eersel says hurt the most. Speaking to MMA UK in a recent interview, Eersel talked about the moment he got hit with a knee by Sadikovic in the second round of their match at ONE 156 in April 2022.
'The Immortal' stated:
"I thought, 'Okay, let's get this fight done.' I’m not going to lie, that knee he hit me with in the second round, that was a real wake-up call for me."
Eersel eventually pieced together the puzzle and came back strong in the championship rounds to get the unanimous decision victory and retain his ONE lightweight kickboxing world title.
However, a new tormentor awaits as Eersel gets ready to run it back with another dangerous foe.
'The Immortal' Regian Eersel wants his his ONE lightweight kickboxing world title back over his shoulders when he meets 'Barboza' Alexis Nicolas in a highly anticipated rematch.
The two lock horns at ONE Fight Night 25: Nicolas vs. Eersel II, which broadcasts live from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, Oct. 4.
Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free on Amazon Prime Video. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event.
Taking on a New Challenge: Eersel's Potential Move to MMA
Already a former two-sport world champion, Eersel recently opened the door to competing in a third sport -- and this one's a shocker. 'The Immortal' is interested in stepping into the realm of mixed martial arts.
ONE Championship is known for its athletes crossing borders into different martial arts disciplines, and Eersel has made it clear he would compete in MMA if the conditions were right.
He told MMA UK in a recent interview:
"Fighting in MMA is definitely possible, but only if the terms are right. It has to be something that is beneficial for me and my career. For now, I’m focused on kickboxing and Muay Thai, but I am open to the opportunity of fighting in MMA if the right offer comes along."
No matter where his career takes him, 'The Immortal' Regian Eersel will forever be grateful to ONE Championship for the trust they have placed in him.
Eersel has headlined many cards for the world's largest martial arts organization, and here he is again, headlining against 'Barboza' Alexis Nicolas at ONE Fight Night 25 on Prime Video.
