ONE Championship returns to Prime Video on June 9th with an outstanding main event for the ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Championship. At ONE Fight Night 11, Regian Eersel will defend the title against Dmitry Menshikov in a battle of two men riding impressive win streaks into Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. After defeating a who’s who en route to becoming a two-sport king, Eersel is ready for his latest challenger.
“My first thought was like a little bit surprised, of course, but also not because who else are they going to get for the title shot? He was the number two in Glory, so I think he deserves it. And he’s on an unbeaten run. Good for him,” Eersel told ONE.
This matchup could have been for either of Eersel’s titles. Menshikov is widely considered to be one of the best kickboxers on the planet and has not been beaten since 2017. But with his outstanding KO power, competing with four-ounce gloves may make him an even more dangerous challenge for “The Immortal.”
Menshikov’s accolades and current winning streak have Eersel chomping at the bit to defend his throne. “The Immortal” has been looking closer at his opponent’s game and is expecting a thrilling match inside the ring. The Surinamese striker is on a quest to leave an unquestioned legacy behind, a mission he is expertly accomplishing thus far.
“My thoughts are he is a very good fighter. He puts the pressure on a lot. He comes swinging with hooks. He has a lot of knockouts, so we’re gonna put my name to the test once again. The better my opponent, the better version of me also. Yeah, I’m excited,” the ONE Lightweight Kickboxing and Muay Thai World Champion said.
Eersel stated that he is preparing for a war inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, partly because of the raw power and aggression Menshikov will bring. But he does not need additional motivation. The 30-year-old is focused on his legacy, and that continues to drive him heading into ONE Fight Night 11.
“For me, everybody that stands up against me, it’s like they want to destroy my legacy. So, it doesn’t matter if he comes from Glory or he’s been fighting in ONE Championship. Everybody in front of me wants to destroy my legacy. So, I don’t look at this,” Eersel flatly stated.
Both men have been almost untouchable as of late. Menshikov’s 11-bout win streak is topped by Eersel’s 21-match ride. “The Immortal” also has not tasted defeat in ONE. But none of that matters to Eersel, who does not look at records and only sees a man trying to take away everything he has fought hard to achieve.
“A fight is a fight. When we step in the ring, or the door of the cage closes, the record doesn’t matter. It’s still a fight, you know? It doesn’t matter if he has a thousand fights or two fights. He is coming to beat me. And my goal is to beat him, so may the best man win,” Eersel said.
It is not uncommon for athletes to think about their legacy, but few get the opportunity to have it come to fruition before their eyes. Eersel is in the midst of the construction of his own in this moment, and he is fully aware of that fact. That is his purpose, and that is why he predicts a KO over Menshikov to continue carving out his place in history.
“Keeping my legacy going, that’s the hunger. I have kids now, so that’s also the motivation [to stay at the top]. But the main thing is the legacy, and that’s why it’s personal for me. And that’s the thing, that hunger is still there. The first one was to go to the top. I’m now at the top, and I have to stay there,” Eersel said.
ONE Fight Night 11 airs live on Prime Video on Friday, June 9. The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The event is free for all U.S. and Canadian Amazon Prime members.
