“I’m the champ, he can’t say anything about it” - Alexis Nicolas dares Regian Eersel to snatch lightweight kickboxing gold from him

Alexis Nicolas and Regian Eersel have largely tiptoed the fine line of trash talk and respect ahead of their world title rematch. But when things tip over, it usually hits at a critical level.

Eersel previously contested Nicolas' status as the ONE lightweight kickboxing world champion after losing the strap to the French star by the closest of margins.

After taking note of Eersel's remarks, Nicolas decided to clap back at 'The Immortal' ahead of their world title rematch in the main event of ONE Fight Night 25 this Friday at Lumpinee Stadium.

Alexis Nicolas said in an interview with ONE Championship that Eersel can call himself the rightful owner of the ONE lightweight kickboxing world title if he emerges victorious in Bangkok.

Until then, however, Nicolas said he's the division's undisputed king.

Nicolas said:

"If he wins, then he will be the champ - that’s life. He can’t decide if one is a real champion or not. I’m the champ, he can’t say anything about it."

Despite holding a perfect 23-0 record heading into his first match against Eersel, Nicolas was seen as a massive underdog in the main event of ONE Fight Night 21 in April this year.

Nicolas was seen as an upstart while Eersel was already one of this generation's best fighters and held the ONE lightweight kickboxing and Muay Thai world titles heading into the matchup.

'Barboza', however, used that match to establish his reputation and stunned the kickboxing world when he beat Eersel via unanimous decision.

As tight as any contest could be, Nicolas found his reprieve early in the second round when he clocked Eersel with a sneaky overhand right for the fight's lone knockdown.

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

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Alexis Nicolas beaming with confidence ahead of world title defense against Regian Eersel

Alexis Nicolas didn't just learn how to fight the future legend Regian Eersel in their first fight, he also found out that he has what it takes to become a superstar.

In the same interview with ONE Championship, Nicolas said his first fight against Eersel was an eye-opening experience for him.

He explained:

"Eersel was an example for me and now I'm very confident in the fight. Now I know who I am. I know what I can do and I know how I feel when I fight him. He felt my power, he felt how fast I am, how I punch -- now we know."