Regian Eersel prepared to go through ‘five rounds of war’ in next title defense

Two-sport king Regian Eersel is under no illusion about the challenge that lies ahead when he defends his ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Title.

This happens in the main event of ONE Fight Night 21 on Prime Video on April 5. There, “The Immortal” dukes it out with Alexis Nicolas live in U.S. primetime from the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Despite his impressive track record, complacency isn’t a word found in Eersel’s vocabulary.

“I look at everybody they put in front of me as the most dangerous guy because the one in front of me is the one who is trying to beat me,” he said.

“My opponent is going to do everything in his power to get the win and to get the belt. Nobody is an easy fight. Everybody is dangerous.”

Nicolas earned his shot following a spectacular victory over Magomed Magomedov in his promotional debut this past January. This extended his perfect slate to 23-0.

The Surinamese-Dutch star was quick to acknowledge the threat the unbeaten French opponent posed to his dominant reign.

“I was watching live when he had his first fight for ONE. He’s a smart fighter, good with his kicks, and he throws good combinations,” Eersel said.

“It’s going to be a good fight for me, and I’m going to put my name to the test again. It’s also good for him that he gets to fight for the belt in his second fight in ONE.”

Having kept a close eye on Nicolas, Eersel is prepared to go to tremendous measures to remain seated atop the division.

“I think we are both going to score a lot of points and throw lots of combinations. And I hope I’m going to catch him. But in my mind, I’m preparing for five rounds of war,” he said.

Regian Eersel sees holes in Alexis Nicolas’ game

Despite Alexis Nicolas’s notable credentials, Regian Eersel remains confident in his own abilities.

With a wealth of experience facing some of the toughest strikers in the world, Eersel believes he holds the edge in several key areas.

“My biggest advantage I think is my experience, my pressure going forward, and my aggression. I think he will struggle with that,” he said. “I’m a different kind of fighter. I am really going to put the pressure on him, and he will feel it.”