Regian Eersel blasts Alexis Nicolas for playing it safe in first fight: “You cannot win against a champion like that”
Former ONE lightweight kickboxing world champion Regian Eersel admits to losing to Alexis Nicolas in their title match earlier this year. However, he was not impressed with the manner in which the Frenchman won and became champion, believing he played it safe.
'The Immortal' shared this ahead of his title rematch with 'Barboza' at ONE Fight Night 25: Nicolas vs. Eersel II on Oct. 4 in Thailand, highlighting that upon review of what took place last time around, they have grown convinced that the rematch he and his team asked for warranted.
The 31-year-old Surinamese-Dutch fighter told ONE Championship:
"I asked for an immediate rematch because I rewatched the fight with my team and we came to the conclusion that we have to do it again. You cannot win against a champion like that with only a one-point difference. And that's why we asked for the rematch."
Regian Eersel found the going tough against then-challenger Nicolas in their title match in April. While he had his stellar moments in the five-round clash, they were not enough to swing the tide in his favor as he slumped to the loss by decision.
Despite the defeat, the Sityodtong Amsterdam standout remained a ONE world champion as he also holds the lightweight Muay Thai championship belt.
ONE Fight Night 25: Nicolas vs. Eersel II will take place at the famed Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok and airs live and for free to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.
Regian Eersel seeks to set record for most ONE world title wins in Muay Thai and kickboxing in next fight
Apart from reclaiming the ONE lightweight kickboxing world title at ONE Fight Night 25 on Oct. 4, Regian Eersel is also out to establish a new mark for most world title wins in Muay Thai and kickboxing in the "Home of Martial Arts."
Currently, Eersel is tied with former ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion Nong-O Hama for the most wins with eight. He will break the tie with a victory over reigning lightweight kickboxing king Alexis Nicolas in his upcoming match.
Running third in the list is flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon, followed with four each by ONE champions Tawanchai PK Saenchai (featherweight Muay Thai), Roman Kryklia (lighte heavyweight kickboxing and heavyweight Muay Thai), Superlek Kiatmoo9 (flyweight kickboxing and bantamweight Muay Thai), Jonathan Haggerty (bantamweight kickboxing) and Prajanchai PK Saenchai (strawweight Muay Thai and kickboxing).
Check out the list below: