ONE Fight Night 21 Results: Alexis Nicolas wins world title by dethroning Regian Eersel

06 April 2024

ONE Championship (ONE) made a triumphant return to the revered Lumpinee Boxing Stadium with an electrifying event, ONE Fight Night 21: Eersel vs. Nicolas. The spotlight was on the highly anticipated clash for the ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Title, featuring two elite strikers.

In a stunning upset, undefeated Alexis “Barboza” Nicolas defied the odds by dethroning two-sport champion Regian “The Immortal” Eersel to claim the coveted ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Championship in the main event.

The bout commenced with both fighters exchanging blows at the center of the ring, setting the stage for an intense showdown. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the second round when Nicolas floored Eersel with a powerful overhand right. Despite facing adversity, Eersel showcased his resilience, mounting a spirited comeback in the subsequent rounds.

As the action escalated in the third frame, Eersel ramped up the pressure, launching a relentless offensive. Undeterred, “Barboza” matched his opponent's pace, unleashing rapid-fire strikes from a distance.

In the climactic fifth round, the competitors engaged in a ferocious exchange, with Nicolas asserting his dominance with precise and impactful striking. His commanding performance earned him a unanimous decision victory, halting Eersel’s remarkable 22-fight winning streak and securing the coveted world title.

In the co-main event, ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion Tye Ruotolo faced a formidable challenge from Izaak Michell but emerged victorious after a tough start.

Despite Michell’s formidable wrestling skills, Ruotolo showcased his technical prowess, executing a decisive sweep to gain the advantageous mount position. Utilizing his grappling expertise, the Atos Jiu-Jitsu product swiftly transitioned to Michell’s back, securing a modified rear-naked choke to force the submission.

ONE Fight Night 21: Eersel vs. Nicolas Complete Results

Alexis Nicolas defeats Regian Eersel via unanimous decision to claim the ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Title

Tye Ruotolo defeats Izaak Michell via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:43 of a single round to retain the ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Title

Suablack Tor Pran49 defeats Vladimir Kuzmin via unanimous decision (Muay Thai – catchweight 146.5 lbs)

Ben Tynan defeats Duke Didier via TKO (referee stoppage – ground-and-pound) at 2:36 of round one (MMA – heavyweight)

Denis Puric defeats Jacob Smith via unanimous decision (Muay Thai – flyweight)

Kade Ruotolo defeats Francisco Lo via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:48 of a single round (submission grappling – catchweight 180 lbs)

Dedduanglek Tded99 defeats Taiki Naito via unanimous decision (kickboxing – catchweight 136 lbs) – No KD

Hiroyuki Tetsuka defeats Valmir Da Silva via submission (north-south choke) at 3:34 of round two (MMA – welterweight)

Songchainoi Kiatsongrit defeats Nicolas Leite Silva via unanimous decision (Muay Thai – strawweight)

Jeremy Pacatiw defeats Wang Shuo via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:07 of round one (MMA - bantamweight)

Performance bonus winners: 

- Tye Ruotolo (US$50,000)

- Ben Tynan (US$50,000)

- Kade Ruotolo (US$50,000)

What are your thoughts on the event? Let us know in the comments below.