Alexis Nicolas says he can't be all brawn and no brain in world title rematch against Regain Eersel: "I have to use my IQ"
ONE lightweight kickboxing world champion Alexis Nicolas knows he can't be a bull in a China shop when he takes to the ring in a rematch against former divisional king Regian Eersel at ONE Fight Night 25.
Broadcasting live in American primetime from the Lumpinee Stadium, the two strikers headline the organization's return to the revered venue in Bangkok, Thailand, in a redo of their ONE Fight Night 21 classic.
With a better understanding of what his nemesis brings, the Mahmoudi Gym standout believes he'll need to switch things up to stand a better chance at victory. Highlighting the style he'll bring on fight night, Alexis Nicolas told ONE Championship:
"Eersel is too strong to fight like I would fight in the street. I have to use my IQ."
'Barboza's' assessment of the Dutch-based Surinamese striker is downright accurate. 'The Immortal's' fight IQ is second to none when you line him up against some of the biggest names in the promotional roster. Thus, it'll be unwise for the French standout to charge in without calculating his chances.
However, based on his win over the ONE lightweight Muay Thai world champion this past April, the undefeated star (24-0) has more than just knockout power at his disposal. Nicolas also packs the intelligence needed to fight off anyone who comes in his way of greatness, and he'll be out to show that on repeat in his rematch against Eersel this Friday, Oct. 4.
Alexis Nicolas disses Regian Eersel's claims that he's not a true champion: "I have the belt"
While Alexis Nicolas remains confident that he did enough to get his hand raised over Eersel, 'The Immortal' shares a very contrasting view.
The Sityodtong Amsterdam star believes that there was no way the Frenchman could have snatched the world title with a performance like that. In response to Eersel's claim, 'Barboza' had this to say in an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA:
"He doesn't get to decide whether I'm a true champion or not. I have the belt. I am the champion. And I have to win again to stay there."
North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription can catch the entire ONE Fight Night 25 card live in U.S. primetime for free.