"I couldn't connect the dots" - Regian Eersel opens up on disappointing world title loss to Alexis Nicolas

Former two-sport world champion and now current ONE lightweight Muay Thai world champion 'The Immortal' Regian Eersel recently surrendered his lightweight kickboxing gold to French phenom 'Barboza' Alexis Nicolas, and he has made no excuses for his lackluster performance.

Eersel locked horns with the undefeated Nicolas at ONE Fight Night 21: Eersel vs. Nicolas on Prime Video earlier this month. The event took place at the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, last on 6.

Nicolas knocked Eersel down in round two and cruised to a unanimous decision victory on the judges' scorecards.

Speaking to STVS Suriname in a recent interview, Eersel made no excuses and accepted defeat like a man. He also admits to making many mistakes both mentally and physically, which cost him the fight.

The Dutch-Surinamese 'Immortal' said:

"After watching the fight again, I think I can understand his game better. I feel like I rushed at times too. I just couldn't connect the dots in this fight."

Eersel has since vowed revenge and looks to return a better version of himself. The 31-year-old Sityodtong Amsterdam proponent fully expects to one day book a rematch with Nicolas and attempt to reclaim his last gold.

'The Immortal' Regian Eersel credits Alexis Nicolas for fight-winning game plan: "He came up with a good strategy"

Former two-sport king Regian Eersel is quick to give credit where credit is due, and he gave all the props to rival Alexis Nicolas after their world title tilt earlier this month.

He told STVS Suriname:

"I just didn't do enough. Alexis Nicolas came up with a good strategy. He did good everywhere and yeah, I just failed to implement my game plan."

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch a replay of ONE Fight Night 21 on demand via Amazon Prime Video.