“He’s a smart fighter” - Regian Eersel says Alexis Nicolas’ high-level, methodical offensive style sets him apart from his peers

Regian Eersel may have suffered his first loss in eight years, but that didn't stop him from giving Alexis Nicolas some due praise ahead of their looming rematch for the ONE lightweight kickboxing world title.

The Surinamese superstar has been carefully treading the fine line between trash talk and respect whenever he gets asked about Nicolas.

In a recent interview with, ONE Championship, Eersel pointed out what made his newfound rival a cut above the other fighters of the generation.

Eersel said that Nicolas has one of the best methodical fighting styles in the current era, an offensive approach that even did a number on him when they first met.

Nevertheless, 'The Immortal' still threw a little jab ahead of their world title rematch in the main event of ONE Fight Night 25 this Friday, US primetime, at the historic Lumpinee Stadium.

Regian Eersel said:

"His strength is running away and. No, no, I'm joking, I’m joking. The strength of Alexis, he's a smart fighter. Good with the kicks. His punches are not so powerful, but his kicks are fast and yeah, that's it."

Despite holding a perfect 23-0 record when he challenged for the gold, Nicolas was seen as a massive underdog in his first match against Eersel at ONE Fight Night 21 in April this year.

Eersel is already considered a future legend and held both the ONE lightweight kickboxing and Muay Thai world titles heading into the contest.

Apart from his double-champ status, Eersel was also riding a 22-fight winning streak that dated back to 2016.

Nicolas broke that invincible aura when he dropped Eersel with a well-time overhand right in the second round, a massive point that allowed him to capture the lightweight kickboxing throne via unanimous decision.

Regian Eersel now looks to erase that mistake and will try to reclaim his lost gold against Nicolas in Bangkok.

ONE Fight Night 25 is available live and free to all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.

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Regian Eersel says reclaiming the gold from Alexis Nicolas will further build his legacy

There's no denying the greatness that Regian Eersel has built in his career, and he believes his next match against Alexis Nicolas will give him the chance to further his legacy.

In an interview with ONE Championship, Eersel said he'll have another major feather on his cap if he reclaims the ONE lightweight kickboxing world title from Nicolas on Friday.

"Oh yeah, what my feelings are for this rematch, but yeah. To add this to my legacy, you know, like I said before, if I win, this will build a bigger legacy for myself. People, you know, you lose in life but it's not how you lose, it’s how you recover from losing, you know."