Regian Eersel, once upon a time regarded as the best -77 KG kickboxer in the world, will make his return to the sport, following a 23-month absence. He will attempt to make his fifth ONE Kickboxing Lightweight world title defense against the undefeated Alexis Nicolas in the main event of ONE Fight Night 21 on April 5.
Eersel captured the belt with a five-round decision triumph over Dutch legend Nieky Holzken, before notching four consecutive title defenses against Holzken, Mustapha Haida, Islam Murtazaev, and Arian Sadiković, after which he furthermore captured and twice defended the ONE Lightweight Muay thai championship as well, having run out of challengers in kickboxing.
The man who'll welcome him back to the sport, Alexis Nicolas, is arguably the best fighter to cross over to kickboxing from Savate since Anissa Meksen. A promotional newcomer, Nicloas earned his shot at the title with a decision win over fellow prospect Magomed Magomedov two months ago. Despite some early reports suggesting Bogdan Shumarov would be the one to fight Eersel, it seems to Bulgarian was forced out of the contest, which earned the Frenchman such an opportunity this early in his career.
Nicolas recently announced that he signed a two-year deal with the promotion, so it makes sense for the aspiring challenger to step up.
No other fight has yet been officially confirmed for the event, except for a submission grappling match between Tye Ruotolo and Izaak Michell.
