Alexis Nicolas claimed the biggest win of his career so far this past weekend. In the main event of ONE Fight Night 21, “Barboza” took the ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Championship from Regian Eersel in a five-round war inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

His incredible win ended Eersel’s dominant 22-fight streak that included a perfect run of 10-0 in ONE Championship. The gravity of the achievement wasn’t lost on the Frenchman, who was thankful that he emerged victorious against such a high-level opponent.

Alexis Nicolas expressed his feelings after defeating Regian Eersel

In a conversation with the media, Nicolas expressed his feelings. “I’m very proud. I didn’t win against anyone; I won against Regian Eersel, the legend. And I’m very proud. I worked hard. That was the game plan with my gym, Mahmoudi Gym. So thank you, thank you. It was a crazy fight,” Nicolas said in his post-fight interview.

He further emphasized, “It was a very hard fight. It was in my head; it was in his head too. He was very strong, and I know he (felt the pain) in the first round. I (felt the pain) too. When I kicked his knee on the leg. So, it was all in our heads. We have two big champions, and the best won tonight. And it was me.”

Nicolas now remains undefeated in 24 professional fights, and he has dethroned one of the most dominant fighters in the world’s largest martial arts organization.

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Nicolas has set his eyes on only one thing now

Nicolas made it clear that claiming the Muay Thai belt was just a bonus for him because the victory alone meant so much more than just gold. “This belt is not the real win tonight. The real win is I won the hearts of all the French. All my fans now know that I’m the best,” Nicolas said.

He further added, “I worked hard, and I’m very proud. So that’s my real happiness tonight. It’s to bring this belt to my country and my family, to Mahmoudi Gym as well, and all my team.”

Now standing at the top of the division, the 25-year-old is looking to be a fighting champion, and he’ll welcome any challenger. Asked who he would like to face next, Nicolas offered no specific names. “It’s simple. I have the belt. I want to fight against anyone who wants the belt,” he said.

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