ONE Championship: Regian Eersel Eyes Denver Muay Thai Defense, Kickboxing Belt Return
BANGKOK – Regian “The Immortal” Eersel has his sights set on defending his Muay Thai title in Denver and reclaiming his vacant lightweight kickboxing title, possibly even before that.
The 32-year-old Surinamese star scored a majority decision win over rival Alexis Nicolas in their trilogy bout at ONE Fight Night 30, settling a heated rivalry. However, he was stripped of his kickboxing belt prior to the bout after failing hydration tests at weigh-ins.
“I hope I’m going to defend my Muay Thai belt in Denver. After that, or maybe before that, I’m going to get my kickboxing belt back,” said Eersel backstage at Lumpinee Stadium.
British rising star George Jarvis has stepped up as a possible Muay Thai challenger after an impressive win over Mouhcine Chafi. Eersel acknowledged Jarvis as “a great pressure fighter” and a potential matchup.
In the kickboxing division, Eersel believes he remains the top contender:
“Nieky Holzken, I beat him twice… I think I’m the No. 1 challenger.”
Reflecting on the missed weigh-in:
“S*** happens… Maybe I need a professional to help with hydration. I did everything like before, but we failed three times.”
Despite disappointment over losing his title on the scale, Eersel was proud of his win, crediting a second-round knockdown as the difference-maker:
“If I didn’t get the eight count, I was losing the fight… But the left hook was right on his jaw.”
Eersel now turns the page on the Nicolas trilogy and looks ahead with renewed focus and championship ambitions.
