“I don't think he is the champion” - Regian Eersel takes a shot at Alexis Nicolas as he aims to take back his throne in rematch

Reigning and undisputed ONE lightweight Muay Thai world champion and former lightweight kickboxing king 'The Immortal' Regian Eersel of 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:

"Yes, because I lost by one point. It’s different because I saw the scorecards and I'm like, listen, I think I was a champion for [almost] four years. And I was like, I deserve the rematch immediately."

Eersel added:

"And so I asked ONE Championship for the rematch immediately. Because you can win from a champion, of course, but how you win defines you as a champion. And I don't think he is the champion by winning a fight with one point difference."

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.

Regian Eersel rematches Alexis Nicolas for ONE Championship gold at ONE Fight Night 25 on Prime Video

'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.