Alexis Nicolas looks to follow in Chingiz Allazov’s footsteps: “I just want to be the best”

ONE lightweight kickboxing king Alexis Nicolas wants to continue excelling in the striking-only sport, and is taking a lot of inspiration from what fellow world champion Chingiz Allazov has done in his illustrious career. 'Barboza' shared this in an interview with the South China Morning Post, ahead of his scheduled title defense at ONE Fight Night 25: Nicolas vs Eersel II on Oct. 4 at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

He highlighted that he wants to be among those considered to be the best in kickboxing like ONE featherweight world champion Allazov and do his part in propelling the sport's continued growth. He said:

"I want to prove that kickboxing is an amazing sport. I want to be the best kickboxer in the world like Chingiz did before. I just want to be the best."

Watch the interview below:

Alexis Nicolas will look to pad his cause towards being the best when he make his first defense of the ONE lightweight kickboxing world title at ONE Fight Night 25. He will defend it against the division's Muay Thai king, Regian Eersel, from whom he took the same belt back in April in their first title match.

ONE Fight Night 25: Nicolas vs Eersel II will aire live and for free to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.

Alexis Nicolas looks to showcase learnings from first encounter with Regian Eersel in their rematch

Apart from becoming the new ONE lightweight kickboxing world champion, Alexis Nicolas also learnt a lot from his first title match against former divisional king Regian Eersel. He is looking to showcase the improvements he has made in their rematch at ONE Fight Night 25 on Oct. 4 in Thailand.

Speaking to ONE Championship in line with his scheduled return to action this week, the 26-year-old Mahmoudi Gym standout said his showdown with 'The Immortal' back in April was an experience all its own and from which he took a number of cues from as he prepared for their rematch.

He said:

"I learned a lot. I learned a lot. I think this fight gave me maybe three, four or five years of training more than before. It was a crazy experience. Eersel is very strong. He is my opponent, but I respect him for the fighter that he is and the legend that he is. And it will continue. [In the rematch] let's see who the best fighter is."

In their first showdown, Alexis Nicolas had a game plan he proudly declared that worked to a T, leaving Eersel grappling for ways to counter and leading to a well-deserved victory by unanimous decision.