Regian Eersel will defend his ONE lightweight Kickboxing world championship title against Islam Murtazaev in the main event of ONE: WINTER WARRIORS on December 03, 2021. Ahead of their title clash, the champion has a message for the challenger.
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Eersel thinks he has not received the respect and fame he deserves. He does believe, though, that it will happen soon.
As per the 28-year-old, fighters with a big mouth get famous and recognized instantly. However, the champion isn’t one of them. Eersel lets his action speak louder than words, and he aims to do the same at ONE: WINTER WARRIORS.
Eersel recently had an exclusive interview with ONE Championship, where he shared his thoughts on Murtazaev, among other things. He sees his next opponent as another challenge he has to deal with.
The Surinamese-Dutch kickboxer said – “I think that the other fighters have to catch up. I have already defeated the top three, so it’s pretty special that they have to [bring in] someone else.”
“Does he deserve to go up against me right away? I have mixed feelings about that. But I understand the situation, and I’m happy that he can fight.”
“I think he’s at my level. Otherwise, ONE Championship wouldn’t put him up against me. He accepted the fight, and, of course, every fight is crucial [because the challengers will try] to take the belt from me. I see it as a challenge.”
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Regian Eersel vs. Islam Murtazaev: The champion shares his prediction
Eersel sees Murtazaev as a “driven, aggressive young man that comes to hit hard.”
The Dagestani kickboxer fights from the front and has an aggressive approach. ‘The Immortal’ thinks he’s great, yet he can be unpredictable at times. Furthermore, the kickboxing champion admires Murtazaev’s claim that his style will surprise him.
Eersel, on the other hand, was unfazed about the threats, as he himself is an aggressive fighter.
The 28-year-old thinks Murtazaev’s “biggest weapons are his spinning back kick technique” – which he intends to utilize to “eliminate” him – “and his aggression”.
In the same interview, while sharing his prediction, Eersel said – “It will be a rough fight. We are both super-aggressive fighters.”
“I think the one who will win the fight is purely the one who shows the most aggression, has the best condition, and the will to win.”
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‘The Immortal’ on what’s next after ONE: WINTER WARRIORS?
Eersel has defeated several top contenders in his illustrious kickboxing career, especially as a champion. Thus, a move up or down a weight class can be expected. ‘The Immortal’ hints the same. However, he is still not done with his division.
In the same interview, while talking about what’s next after ONE: WINTER WARRIORS, the 28-year-old said – “I’m looking for the knockout in every fight, but you also need to be ready to fight for five rounds.”
“I’m open to moving up a weight division or trying another sport like Muay Thai and going for the title. But I don’t have the feeling that I’m finished with my weight division. I have only defended my title twice, and that’s much, too little for me.”
“If I win this fight, it will mean that once again, I’ve reached a milestone in my career and defended a World Title. It is an important part of my legacy. Then the story will be who is next.”
It is clear by now that if Eersel successfully defends his title on December 03, 2021, he would like to face another great fighter like Murtazaev. However, it is easier said than done, as the Dagestani kickboxer will not be a walk in the park for the champion.
Regardless, fans can expect fireworks when the two of the most aggressive kickboxers face each other in the main event at ONE: WINTER WARRIORS.
What do you make of what Regian Eersel had to say about Islam Murtazaev? Do share with us your pick for between the two in the comments section down below.
