ONE Fight Night 25: Alexis Nicolas Plans To Cement World Champion Status With KO Of Regian Eersel

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ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Champion Alexis Nicolas shocked the world when he captured the crown last April. In fact, many fans were caught off guard by the result. But when he rematches lightweight Muay Thai king Regian Eersel this Saturday, 5 October, he wants to set the record straight.

The unbeaten Frenchman meets Eersel in the main event of ONE Fight Night 25 inside Bangkok, Thailand's Lumpinee Stadium in the first defense of his crown after snatching it away from his Surinamese foe by unanimous decision earlier this year.

Before their clash, Eersel enjoyed a 22-fight winning streak - including 11 consecutive wins inside ONE Championship. So when Nicolas outstruck Eersel, the former knew it wasn't the end of their rivalry. But this weekend, he plans to bring an end to "The Immortal" one.

"That fight was very close, so I know ONE Championship wants the rematch. You have to have this rematch because that fight was very close, so I was ready for this," Nicolas said.

"I felt good, like 12 years of work, it took a long time, but I showed the world who I am. But, I wasn't happy because I wanted to win by KO. So it was a good win, but I want more."

Nicolas - 22-0 - knows his upcoming opponent well. But to defeat a motivated, vengeful Eersel, he knows he cannot rely solely on the knowledge he gained from their first meeting. After all, Nicolas anticipates that the former two-sport king will do anything to regain the World Title.

With that in mind, "Barboza" has made sure to go the extra mile and leave no stone unturned to defeat the Surinamese great and continue building his legacy in ONE Championship.

"I have to use my IQ. But for the next fight, I'm going to show I'm a very powerful fighter - and I can do everything. So, a lot of crazy punches, crazy, crazy footwork. But I will score a KO in the next fight for sure," Nicolas said.

"If I win, it's good. If I lose, it's 1-1, and we have to do another rematch. But I will win this fight because I trust in myself. I know the game plan will be different. Eersel will be in the best shape ever. But it's the same for me, and it will be a crazy fight."