3 reasons why Dmitry Menshikov can end Regian Eersel's perfect run in ONE Championship

ONE Championship two-division king Regian Eersel aims to continue his hellish promotional run when he puts his lightweight Muay Thai gold on the line against Russian beast Dmitry Menshikov in the main event of ONE Fight Night 11 on Friday, June 9.

The athlete, aptly nicknamed ‘The Immortal’, has risen through the ranks in the lightweight Muay Thai and kickboxing divisions, taking out some of the biggest names on the roster on his way to a monstrous 9-0 run from April 2018.

However, the 25-year-old debutant is looking to spoil the Surinamese’s party, and there’s no better venue for him to do so than Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.

Ahead of this scheduled five-round war, we look at three reasons why we believe the Russian newcomer can make a statement, shock the world, and claim the belt from ‘The Immortal’ come June 9.

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#3. He’s in the form of his life

Regian Eersel’s 21 straight victories since March 2016 are nothing short of impressive. But Menshikov is on the cusp of his own striking streak since the winter of 2017.

The 25-year-old dynamo has amassed 11 wins during the stretch that dates back to December 2017.

More importantly, it has come against some of the top strikers in the world – a good statistic that shows his wicked arsenal and ability to leave Bangkok with an upset at ONE Fight Night 11.

Confidence will hold a trump card in this world title fight under the ONE spotlight – and if Menshikov edges past Eersel in that department, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if he walks out of the iconic venue with the gold resting on his shoulder.

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#2. He possesses some wild knockout power

Menshikov doesn’t only bring positive momentum into this clash against Regian Eersel. He brings so much else, more specifically, his insane knockout power.

The Empire Club and Kuzbass Muay Thai star’s run of 11 wins featured six commendable knockouts against warriors like Robbie Hageman, Yoann Kongolo, and Maxim Sulgin.

He’s an intelligent pocket fighter who depends on his footwork to slip out of enemies’ weapons and counter when it matters most. His right hand is always ready to touch up opponents, while his left is loaded with enormous bout-ending knockout power.

And if he doesn’t run out of steam trying to land a wild haymaker or two in the earlier part of the match, his power would come in handy in the later rounds against an athlete as elusive as ‘The Immortal’.

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#1. He’s fired up to claim the biggest prize on offer

Confidence and knockout power aside, Menshikov wants the ONE lightweight Muay Thai world title more than anything else.

The Russian has showcased his ability to perform at some of the biggest fight venues over the past nine years. But ONE Championship will be the best chance for the 25-year-old to show that he’s leveled up and that he can put on epic performances in front of millions of fans.

Regian Eersel, however, will be no pushover. The Sityodtong Amsterdam representative is a technical genius whether he’s fighting at his rival’s pace, on the back foot, or when he’s planting bombs on his foes.

Fans in the U.S. or Canada can watch this barnburner and the entire ONE Fight Night 11 card live and for free with an Amazon Prime membership on June 9.