ONE Championship: What’s Next For Alexis Nicolas After Capturing ONE World Title?

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Last Saturday, 6 April, ONE Fight Night 21 saw a changing of the guard. A streak ended. A new king emerged. Alexis Nicolas dethroned former ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Champion Regian Eersel in only his second promotional outing to sit at the head of the weight bracket's table.

The fierce Frenchman took Eersel the distance in Bangkok, Thailand's Lumpinee Boxing Stadium to snatch the crown. In doing so, he became the "1" in Eersel's 22-1 run, all while extending his own unbeaten record to 24-0.

His rise is unlike any other in recent times, and that begs the question for the rest of the lightweight kickboxing realm: What's next for Nicolas? Let's take a look.

Due to Eersel's reign dating back to 2019, the most likely outcome for the pair is an immediate rematch for the ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Championship.

Eersel captured the kickboxing crown against striking legend Nieky Holzken at ONE: ENTER THE DRAGON in May 2019. The Surinamese striker then went on to claim Muay Thai gold, asserting his dominance over two divisions.

That said, it all came to a head when Nicolas stripped him of the kickboxing gold this past weekend. Some fans weren't happy with the decision, and that could be the catalyst for the Frenchman to cement himself as the true champion in a rematch.

Another name worth mentioning for a World Title clash is Holzken. The kickboxing legend has shown that he still has what it takes when stepping in the ring, having fought prime striking star Sinsamut Klinmee and legendary Yoshihiro Akiyama in recent outings.

Holzken last appeared at ONE 165 in January, ripping Akiyama apart inside one frame to show that he still is as dangerous as ever. For a long time now, Holkzen has refused to let go of his dream of holding gold in ONE Championship.

And with a new king on top, there's a fresh challenge for him. Holzken would certainly fancy his chances at claiming the World Title again.

If neither previous option suits, Arian Sadikovic has all the potential to be a stern assignment for Nicolas. The German was last seen in action last June at ONE Fight Night 11, defeating Holzken by unanimous decision.

While quiet in his nature, Sadikovic is undoubtedly one of the best names in the division. He was also part of Eersel's legendary winning streak. Famously, styles make fights. And the new era of "Barboza" could see Sadikovic participate in a barnburner with the World Champion.