‘The Game Plan Worked’ – Regian Eersel Details The Keys To Rubber-Match Win Over Alexis Nicolas
On April 4 in U.S. primetime, Regian “The Immortal” Eersel scored a hard-fought victory in the third chapter of his epic rivalry with French sensation Alexis “Barboza” Nicolas at ONE Fight Night 30: Kryklia vs. Knowles on Prime Video.
After going 1-1 in a pair of unforgettable ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Title bouts, the two fighters went to war once again at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
This time, it was Eersel’s crisp boxing, well-timed counters, and crafty footwork that earned him a second-round knockdown and the majority decision win – albeit no World Title belt after he missed weight for the battle.
Looking back on his performance, the Surinamese superstar told onefc.com that he executed his strategy to perfection:
“The game plan was moving around and trying to box with him. Yeah, the fight was good. I got some clean shots. I hit him with a few kicks, also, and punches. The game plan worked, as you saw. He got the eight-count in the second round. It went well.”
Eersel was both methodical and aggressive in his approach, largely negating his opponent’s crippling leg kicks and high-output attack.
Still, now that he’s shared the ring with Nicolas for 45 minutes of frantic action, “The Immortal” has nothing but appreciation for his rival, who remains the only man to defeat him in ONE:
“He was well-prepared, Nicolas. He hit me with some good kicks, so props to him. I respect him, but it was not a surprise for me because I already fought him twice, so I knew what to expect. Yeah, it went good.”
Ultimately, Eersel said his crucial knockdown in the second frame – courtesy of a thunderous left hook – marked the turning point of the matchup.
He had prepared that punch specifically for Nicolas after identifying an opening in his guard, and from there, he knew the fight was his to lose:
“The knockdown in the second round was very important for the victory. I saw he was dropping his right hand, so I knew if I landed the left hook or the left kick, high kick, he would get the eight-count, maybe even a knockout.
“But yeah, he was well-prepared, so he stood up before the eight-count [was finished]. It was no surprise for me. But I knew for sure that was a turn in the fight, and that way, I secured the win.”
Eersel Credits Strong Mind For Victory
Regian Eersel admitted he had to dig deep and push through adversity in his thrilling trilogy bout victory over Alexis Nicolas at ONE Fight Night 30.
In their first encounter, Nicolas employed venomous low leg kicks to secure a stunning upset win. While the Frenchman again found success with his leg kicks last Friday, Eersel said his own unshakable mindset allowed him to deal with the damage:
“The leg kicks were hurting me. Also the calf kicks. But you know, I was prepared for that. And as I said, I’m mentally strong.”
Beyond any particular striking technique or specific game plan, Eersel believes the key to his deciding victory was his mental fortitude.
He said that little separates him from Nicolas in terms of physical attributes or striking skills. However, he feels that his mind is what truly sets him apart:
“Every fight, we were close. But you know, I showed the world why I’m the king of the division, and why I’m a better fighter. Mentally, I had to stay strong. When you are in pain, when you have all the pressure on yourself, I showed the world that I am a true warrior.”
