Regian Eersel contemplates MMA transition but says he’s in no rush: “It’s not my sport”

Reigning ONE lightweight Muay Thai world champion and former lightweight kickboxing king 'The Immortal' Regian Eersel of Suriname and The Netherlands has teased a potential transition to mixed martial arts ahead of his high-profile world title rematch against 'Barboza' Alexis Nicolas of France this weekend.

Eersel says he had trained a little bit of his grappling game during the pandemic, to keep his options open and the door ajar to an MMA stint.

While the world was excited by his words, Eersel is quick to remind everyone that he's still very much a striker at heart and that continuing his kickboxing and Muay Thai career in ONE Championship remains a top priority.

Speaking to MMA UK in a recent interview, 'The Immortal' said:

"But on the other side, it's not my sport. So it's only a thought. But yeah, you know how it goes. I'm a fighter also. So sometimes I think like that."

Eersel is the longtime former lightweight kickboxing world champion, that was until Alexis Nicolas came along and threw a monkey wrench into his comfortable reign at the top.

'The Immortal's eight-year unbeaten streak was unceremoniously snapped by 'Barboza' last April at ONE Fight Night 21 on Prime Video when the Frenchman knocked the Surinamese star down and took home a decision on the judges' scorecards.

Now, the two are ready to run it back.

---

Regian Eersel to challenge Alexis Nicolas for ONE lightweight kickboxing belt in rematch at ONE Fight Night 25 on Prime Video

'The Immortal' Regian Eersel and 'Barboza' Alexis Nicolas lock horns in the main event of ONE Fight Night 25: Nicolas vs. Eersel II on Prime Video, which broadcasts live from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, Oct. 4.

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and free with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event during fight week.