The Inner Circle: “My first baby”

Regaining the ONE lightweight kickboxing world title feels personal for Regian Eersel.

‘The Immortal’, after all, rose to superstardom after winning the inaugural strap back in 2019.

It’s a belt he has defended multiple times and is a big part of his legacy. However, a debacle on the scales forced Eersel to relinquish the 26 pounds of gold he had worked hard to acquire.

That said, this opportunity to reclaim what was once his means more than just two-sport supremacy.

It’s about vindication for one of the best pound-for-pound strikers on the planet.

The reigning ONE lightweight Muay Thai world champion told ONE Championship:

“I hope I get my baby back, my first baby, my first title in ONE Championship. I won it in 2019. So yeah, in 2026 I hope I reclaim it, win it again, and become a double champ again. It has a special place. It was my first title, and I also held it the longest.”

Completing that mission won’t be easy for Eersel, who must go through Thai sensation Rungrawee ‘Legatron’ Sitsongpeenong in the main event of The Inner Circle on Friday, April 10, live in Asia primetime from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.

Regian Eersel says Rungrawee is a worthy adversary

Regian Eersel is honored to share the ring with Rungrawee Sitsongpeenong, who has been tearing through the 170-pound striking ranks.

‘Legatron’ carries battle-tested experience along with a formidable kicking arsenal.

Eersel, however, welcomes the tough challenge ahead. As far as the Surinamese superstar is concerned, winning the belt against a tough adversary makes the moment sweeter.

“He’s a good fighter. Southpaw fighter. Strong legs, big legs. He’s smart. Typical Muay Thai fighter. He fights a little bit on the counter also. So, I’m curious how he will do against me,” he told ONE.

Watch the world title fight live at live.onefc.com on Friday, exclusively for The Inner Circle members.