Alexis Nicolas guns for a finish to make a statement in world title defense: “This fight can’t go to the judges”
Alexis Nicolas is again faced with his toughest opponent yet to defend his ONE lightweight kickboxing world title. He will enter a rematch with former two-sport titleholder Regian Eersel at ONE Fight Night 25 live in U.S. primetime on Oct. 4, after scoring a shocking upset over 'The Immortal' at ONE Fight Night 21.
As ONE Championship heads back to the iconic Lumpinee Stadium, Nicolas knows that he has to make a strong statement to cement his spot as a legitimate world champion by defending his belt. And, the Frenchman wants to do it in style.
Speaking to the promotion ahead of this loaded card, 'Barboza' envisioned how this fight with Eersel would go down:
"I will tell you something. For me, this fight will not go all the way to the end. Either he will sleep or I will sleep. That’s the rule for me."
He added:
"This fight can’t go to the judges. I know he knows it too. That’s the only way this will end. We can’t do five rounds. I sleep or he sleeps. That’s going to be the rule of this fight."
ONE Fight Night 25 will air live via Amazon Prime Video in the United States and Canada on Friday, Oct. 4, in U.S. primetime.
Regian Eersel names Alexis Nicolas as his toughest opponent physically
Once again, Alexis Nicolas will have to prove himself worthy of the throne by facing the almost untouchable Regian Eersel at ONE Fight Night 25.
The rematch came after a big upset on Eersel's end, where he had to suffer his first-ever loss in the organization and lost his ONE lightweight kickboxing belt in the process.
But now, 'The Immortal' wants to set the record straight, as he shared with MMA UK ahead of his rematch on Oct. 4 in Bangkok, Thailand.
He said the following about the upcoming fight with Alexis Nicolas:
"I wouldn't say toughest because each fight is different. Different opponents, different skills, different pain levels. Because you feel pain in a fight, of course. I think mentally, it was Arian Sadikovic, and physically, it was Alexis because of the calf kicks. I was unstable on my legs. My body was refusing to do the things that I wanted to do."
Check out his full interview below: