“Now I’m the king” - Alexis Nicolas says he’s ready to defend his throne against all comers starting with Regian Eersel

Alexis Nicolas is hellbent on using everything in his power to keep his ONE lightweight kickboxing world title.

The reigning king knows his status as the division's ruler would bring an army of would-be challengers, the first of which was the belt's former holder Regian Eersel. Nicolas will defend his throne against Eersel in the main event of ONE Fight Night 25 this Friday, US primetime, at the historic Lumpinee Stadium.

In an interview with ONE Championship, Alexis Nicolas said it was his destiny to capture the ONE lightweight kickboxing world championship and it's now his responsibility to hold on to it for as long as possible.

He said:

"Champion, it's crazy, but it was just normal for me. I told you it was my destiny. I know this was mine. And so that's my job I have to do it. I did my work, so that's okay. Now I'm the king. Everybody knows, but nobody is happy. Now they want to take my crown. They want to kill me. Everybody wants to fight me. And that's what I want."

Nicolas burst through the gates in his professional career, winning all 23 of his fights before he challenged Eersel for the lightweight kickboxing throne at ONE Fight Night 21 in April this year.

Nicolas, despite his perfect record, was seen as a massive underdog against Eersel, who also held the ONE lightweight Muay Thai world title, in their first meeting.

Things, however, took a turn when Nicolas dropped the seemingly invincible Eersel in the second round and captured the unanimous decision win in their first Bangkok matchup.

Several months after that encounter, Nicolas and Eersel once again find themselves at the main event at Lumpinee Stadium but this time it's the French star defending the gold.

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 promises to unleash hell against Regian Eersel

Alexis Nicolas doesn't just want a proper world title defense, he wants to prove to the world that he's reached a level far above what Regian Eersel is on.

Eersel is largely seen as one of the best strikers of the generation and already has a resume that would make him an absolute legend when he decides to hang it up.

Alexis Nicolas, though, plans to show that he's a better fighter than Eersel and vows to unleash the utmost violence in Bangkok.

"It was the fight to get the belt. Now I want to prove that I'm the champ. I'm the real champ. And I want to kill him. I just want to kill him."