Lightweight Muay Thai Champ Responds to Bantamweight King’s Title Ambitions

ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Champion Regian Eersel has responded to reigning ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nabil Anane’s bold claim of wanting to win six World Titles across three separate divisions.

Regian Eersel, the 33-year-old Dutch-Surinamese kingpin acknowledged the 21-year-old’s ability in the ring, but he made clear the path to lightweight Muay Thai gold runs directly through him.

Regian Eersel Addresses Anane’s Callout

Regian Eersel noted that Anane publicly named him as a future target before walking back the urgency of that pursuit. The reigning champion took the shifting timeline in stride, expressing no frustration while making his position clear.

“First of all, he called my name out in the media and said he wants to fight me. I thought maybe in months, not in two or three years. But later he said in another interview, it’s going to take two or three years. I’m here, so I’ll just wait,” Regian Eersel said.

Anane holds a 41-5 career record and already owns the bantamweight Muay Thai belt. The 6-foot-4 Thai-Algerian standout also competed in bantamweight and featherweight kickboxing bouts last year, signaling his intent to pursue titles across multiple disciplines.

Lightweight King Regian Eersel Acknowledges Anane’s Talent

Despite the competitive posturing, Regian Eersel was willing to credit Anane’s upside. “The Immortal” framed his assessment carefully, separating what Anane could become from what is possible while he still holds the belt.

“He has the potential for sure, but not when I’m champion. I have to be gone first. After that, yes, he definitely has the potential to become a three-weight World Champion,” Eersel explained.

Eersel, who stands at 6-foot-2, holds a 63-5 career record and has claimed 10 World Titles across his career. The Dutch-Surinamese fighter previously held the ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Title before adding Muay Thai gold to his collection.

‘The Immortal’ Weighs in on Carrillo’s Prospects

Beyond the Anane conversation, Regian Eersel was also asked about newly crowned ONE Interim Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Nico Carrillo, who has been linked to a potential move to lightweight. The champion offered measured praise while casting doubt on whether such a jump would suit the Scotsman.

“Yeah, I like it. He’s a good fighter. He already moved up one weight class, so it’s not surprising for me that he said no. Moving up two weight classes is maybe a little bit too heavy for him – but yeah, just wait for that one,” Eersel said.

Carrillo captured the ONE Interim Featherweight Muay Thai World Title after already moving up from his natural bantamweight to compete at featherweight. A jump to lightweight would represent a two-division climb for the Scottish striker.