ONE Fight Night 25: ONE Fight Night 25 preview and predictions

Alexis Nicolas and Regian Eersel delivered a striking clinic for the ages in their first encounter a couple of months back, and they will have another opportunity to excite the watching world again when they run it back in the ONE Fight Night 25 headliner this week.

Broadcasting live from the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Oct. 4, the main event of the promotion's latest American primetime bill sees the unbeaten French standout (24-0) put his ONE lightweight kickboxing world title on the line against the former divisional king.

Though 'Barboza' did enough to secure the nod from all three judges at ringside when they traded leather inside the 'Mecca of Muay Thai' this past April, many still aren't convinced that the Paris native did enough to earn an upsetting win over the then-two-sport king.

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With a fire in his belly to prove them wrong, the 26-year-old vows to bring his A-Game to hammer his way past 'The Immortal'.

That said, the Sityodtong Amsterdam affiliate shares a similar desire to achieve and pull one back over the Frenchman.

Eersel, who still reigns as the ONE lightweight Muay Thai world champion, has come to terms with his loss to Nicolas — one that ended his eight-year, 22-fight unbeaten streak — and he vows to use it as a source of motivation heading into this sequel.

Before they meet on the global stage once more, as always, Sportskeeda MMA's team of analysts dissect and share their thoughts on this must-watch fixture at ONE Fight Night 25, available for free to active Amazon Prime Video subscribers in North America.

Vince Richards: Regian Eersel via decision

It’s revenge time for Regian Eersel. After losing his ONE lightweight kickboxing world title in the previous fight, I see Eersel reclaiming the lost throne against Alexis Nicolas this Friday.

Eersel did suffer a stunning knockdown against Alexis Nicolas in their first fight, but I believe ‘The Immortal’ did just enough to mount a comeback especially in the championship rounds.

This will be another clash of differing styles, but I see Eersel’s long range attack and overall ring work would prove vital against Nicolas.

‘Barboza’ will have his moments of forcing Eersel on the defensive, but I think Eersel has this one in the bag.

Mike Murillo: Regian Eersel via fourth-round TKO

Expect this rematch to be a barnburner once again but with a different outcome with Regian Eersel exacting payback on Alexis Nicolas and reclaiming the ONE lightweight kickboxing world title.

No doubt, his defeat by decision left a bad taste in the mouth of ‘The Immortal’ and something he is aching to redeem himself from. I expect him to come out guns a blazing, which should culminate with a TKO win in the fourth round.

However, I’m not counting out Alexis Nicolas outright as he is still the reigning champion and proved he has the materials to become the division king in their first encounter.

But Eersel should be ready for everything that ‘Barboza’ will throw at him and more this time around, allowing him to notch the convincing win come fight night.

Let me put out a caveat though, if Eersel does win, a trilogy title fight between him and Alexis Nicolas should be arranged after to settle things once and for all.

Ted Razon: Alexis Nicolas via fourth- or fifth-round TKO

Judging by how the first fight went, this rematch is going to be bonkers. Eersel was crippled early on by Nicolas’ devastating calf kicks.

‘The Immortal’ is too smart not to adjust to this. I imagine him bridging the distance early and starting much faster than he did before. ‘Barboza’, meanwhile, had a lot of success hiding his swift punch combos behind his high-octane savate-style kicks.

I see the champ employing the same tactic, given the success he had last time out. However, the Frenchman must be sharp with his counterstriking since the challenger will likely be more aggressive and leave himself open. I foresee Alexis Nicolas landing another pinpoint hook in the championship rounds to knock down Eersel.

As much as I admire the Surinamese star’s impressive run, I think ‘Barboza’ has this number. I predict Alexis Nicolas will finish the job this time around with a TKO victory in round four or five.

James De Rozario: Alexis Nicolas by decision

Disagree or not, Alexis Nicolas got his hand raised against Regian Eersel earlier this year. And I expect the plot to remain the same, albeit with lesser controversy, when they meet inside the 'Mecca of Muay' Thai this Friday.

Alexis Nicolas' strengths lies in his ability to cut attacks and frustrate the Netherlands-based talent.

As he did in their first five-round scrap, I see the Paris fighter sticking to the same mechanism to undo the challenger.

Though he did lack a bit of bite when he was on the offense previously, I feel that was probably down to his nerves of fighting alongside someone of Eersel's caliber.

Now, with gold in his possession and the experience to headline a fight on martial arts' biggest stage, I envision a much more dominant display from the Mahmoudi Gym man on fight night.