Combat fans across the world witnessed an exciting card at ONE Championship: Winter Warriors. The main event on the night was between ONE Kickboxing champion Regian Eersel and Islam Murtazaev.

There was no love lost between the two warriors in the build-up of the fight. Both were looking to come in and finish the fight. The champion was confident of no fighter being at his level coming into the fight.

Eersel was on a 17 fight win streak coming into the fight. He hadn’t really been troubled in his run as champion and wanted to make sure he continued that.

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The Dagestan native, Islam Murtazev came with a professional record of 20-4 and was looking forward to defeating the champion in a spectacular fashion. He described his style as, ‘Kill or be killed.’

Regian Eersel outworks Islam Murtazaev

The fight started at a quick pace. The challenger looked to go after the champion right away. He was making the champion uncomfortable and looked to be beating him at his own game.

In closely fought first two rounds, Murtazaev seemed to be ahead as he looked the dominant fighter. However, the champion started to get his flow back in the third round.

He dominated his opponent in the last three rounds and didn’t look in trouble at all. Murtazaev looked gassed by the end of the fight, which made it easier for the champion.

However, Eersel was having trouble against the striking of the challenger, but ultimately win the fight via a split decision.

What’s next for ‘The Immortal’ and Islam Murtazaev?

Eersel again proved that he is a champion who needs to be respected.

Despite having troubles early on, he changed the tide and get the win. Despite facing adversity, he kept his composure and trust his game. However, he wasn’t thrilled with his performance. At the post-fight interview, he said, “I think I need to improve my skills.”

He still got the win, and will look to work on things he lacked according to him. And be ready for the next challenge.

Islam Murtazaev, on the other hand, would want to go back to the drawing board immediately. He has the skills and abilities to be a champion one day but looked to overexert himself early on.

A performance like this is sure to have impressed everyone, and he would want to get back to winning ways quickly.

Were you excited to watch ONE: WINTER WARRIORS? Do share with us your favorite fight from this exciting event in the comments section down below.