ONE Fight Night 25 results and recap: Alexis Nicolas vs Regian Eersel
After shocking the world and handing Regian Eersel his first loss in eight years, ONE lightweight kickboxing world champion Alexis Nicolas returned to the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok determined to show the world that his win over ‘The Immortal’ in April was no fluke.
Nicolas vs. Eersel two headlined a loaded ONE Fight Night 25 card on Amazon Prime Video and delivered another edge-of-your-seat thriller for fight fans in Thailand and those watching around the world.
Round 1: Nicolas and Eersel get things started early, attacking each other’s legs. Eersel began the fight in Southpaw but quickly switched back to Orthodox and attempted to land a flying knee, but Nicolas sidestepped it. Eersel lands a stiff jab as Nicolas goes back to the calf kick on the counter. Eersel switches back to southpaw and looks to set up the left hand as ‘Barboza’ continues to pepper the former kickboxing champ’s lead leg.
Eersel is looking to close the distance and lands a glancing head kick followed by a head kick that catches Nicolas on the jaw. Nicolas is unable to respond before the round ends.
Round 2: Eersel puts pressure on early and looks to land a knee in close while Nicolas starts to target the body. Eersel misses with the right hand but comes right back with another that connects. Eersel tries to crowd Nicolas, but ‘Barboza’ shoves him off. Eersel is trying to pick up and dominate the action, but Nicolas fires back and forces Eersel to temporarily retreat.
Eersel comes right back and Nicolas throws a combination. Undeterred, Eersel keeps moving forward and pops the champ’s head back with a stiff jab. Eersel punctuates the round with a big right hand that forces Nicolas to circle away and stay out of danger for the remainder of the round.
Round 3: Nicolas continues to fire off kicks to the lead leg and body of Eersel while ‘The Immortal’ pumps the jab. Eersel lands a nice right hand that has ‘Barboza’ backing up. Eersel pursues but gets a right hand sent back at him that has him slowing down momentarily. Nicolas appears to be making some adjustments as Eersel continues to push the pace.
Nicolas lands a shot that backs up Eersel and ‘The Immortal’ fires back with another stiff jab. With 30 seconds left to go, the pace is beginning to slow a bit and Nicolas throws a looping right hand that partially connects. Eersel fires a stinging low kick and Nicolas fires one right back just before the bell sounds.
Round 4: Eersel throws a low kick and Nicolas responds with a double jab as we start the championship rounds. With Eersel slowing, Nicolas is attempted to take control of the ring and dictate the pace. Eersel continues to pump the jab, but Nicolas makes him pay with a pair of right hands—one to the chin and another to the body.
Nicolas tries to counter the calf kick and the two begin trading lead leg attacks in the center of the ring. Eersel lands another jab that knocks Nicolas’ head back. Nicolas is showing some damage near his left eye. Eersel lands a thudding leg kick and Nicolas unleashes a combination in the closing seconds.
Round 5: Going into the final round, Eersel appeared to be up on the scorecards. Realizing he may be down, ‘Barboza’ turned up the heat and started throwing combinations in close. Nicolas lands a nice kick to the body but eats another kick to his lead leg in response. Eersel is practicing distance management, keeping Nicolas at bay with his kicking game.
Nicolas is desperately trying to close the distance and lands a big head kick that echoes throughout the arena. Eersel circles away and lands another jab. Eersel clips Nicolas with a right hand as ‘Barboza’ tries to move in. With 30 seconds to go, Nicolas is trying to be aggressive, but Eersel’s movement is keeping him from landing anything substantial.
Both fighters trade one final shot as the final bell sounds.
ONE Fight Night 25 - Alexis Nicolas vs. Regian Eersel Official Result
Going to the scorecards, all three judges saw the fight in favor of Regian Eersel, once again crowning him the ONE lightweight kickboxing world champion. The victory not only puts him back into the win column but also makes him a two-sport ONE world titleholder for the second time in his illustrious career.
Meanwhile, Alexis Nicolas has suffered his first career loss, seeing his 24-fight win streak snapped on martial arts’ biggest global stage.
Official Result: Alexis Nicolas defeated Regian Eersel via unanimous decision (ONE lightweight kickboxing world championship)