Regian Eersel relives grueling five round battle at The Inner Circle: “Still got the win”

Regian “The Immortal” Eersel is a two-sport ONE World Champion again. The Dutch-Surinamese striker defeated Rungrawee “Legatron” Sitsongpeenong by unanimous decision at The Inner Circle on April 10 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, reclaiming the vacant ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Title he first won in 2019.

It was a hard-earned five rounds. Rungrawee’s southpaw kicks and durable chin made him a persistent threat, and the Thai absorbed a third-round knockdown before pressing forward in the championship frames, desperately looking for a reversal.

Eersel controlled range and timed his counters throughout but admitted the performance was not the one he had mapped out in camp. He chased the finish too aggressively, strayed from his movement game, and got caught with clean shots in the process.

The belt came home regardless — but he made no attempt to dress it up.

“My game plan didn’t really come out, to tell you honestly. The game plan was to move a lot to the left side, work on the legs, and do everything relaxed. But I went too greedy,” Eersel said.

“I was hunting for the KO and attacked only through power shots. And yeah, we got hit a lot with the clean shots. Not the fight that I wanted. But I still got the win.”

Regian Eersel calls out Nabil Anane after reclaiming kickboxing gold

Regian Eersel’s appetite has not changed. Now holding titles in both Muay Thai and kickboxing at lightweight, he is simply looking for the next fight. Former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nabil Anane has already put his name in the mix.

Anane would need to move up two weight classes, which Eersel acknowledged. He is not chasing the matchup, but he is not turning it down either.

The warning that came with the invitation, however, was unmistakable.

“The challenge is to continue the dream. And my dream is to fight as much as possible, make some money, and travel the world. If I can fight, I’m happy,” Regian Eersel said.

“If you’re ready to move up two weight classes, I’m here. I’m waiting for you. Let’s do it.”