- Regian Eersel took just 84 seconds to beat George Jarvis at ONE Fight Night 34
- Eersel, thus, retain his ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Champion belt
- In the lead-up to the bout, Jarvis questioned Eersel's Muay Thai credentials
Regian “The Immortal” Eersel knows how to command respect – not through talk, but through precision and pressure inside the ring.
At ONE Fight Night 34: Eersel vs. Jarvis this past Friday, August 1, the ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Champion reminded everyone why he rules the division with an iron fist.
In just 84 seconds, the Dutch-Surinamese superstar flattened British challenger George “G-Unit” Jarvis to retain his coveted belt and add another emphatic finish to his spotless Muay Thai campaign in the world’s largest martial arts organization.
In the lead-up to the bout, Jarvis questioned Eersel’s Muay Thai credentials – a move that added even more heat to the matchup.
But the defending titleholder remained composed and let his hands deliver the reply. He dropped his opponent twice to end the contest before the halfway point of the first round.
The 32-year-old Muay Thai king offered:
“George Jarvis said that I’m not a Muay Thai fighter. It only motivates me because I’m not the Muay Thai World Champion for nothing, so I had to show him, make him feel why I’m the Muay Thai World Champion.
“From the fight, I think he underestimated me, also my power. I think maybe he thought, like, yeah, I’m a tall, skinny guy, I don’t hit very hard. So yeah, I think he underestimated me.”
“The Immortal” came out of his corner looking determined and composed, opting to control the center of the ring and manage the range with his kicks and punching combinations.
Every strike had intention behind it, a calculated setup for something more lethal to come. And while the finish appeared almost effortless, it was built on an innate feeling sharpened by years of repetition, timing, and anticipation.
Eersel said:
“It was just instinct. The first [knockdown where I threw] the one-two, my coach told me to go to the middle, so I did. He went down and got the eight count. After that, I just went for his head and body, and after that, I saw that he was open and a little bit dizzy. So, I put the straight right, right to his nose, so that was my finish.”
Since defeating Sinsamut Klinmee by split decision to claim the inaugural ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Championship in October 2022, Eersel has defended the belt three times and has only become more dangerous.
The Muay Thai king stopped “Aquaman” in the fourth round of their rematch five months later, then blitzed Dmitry Menshikov in just 46 seconds, and now dismantled Jarvis.
Each World Title defense has ended before the final bell, a testament to his evolving ability to finish opponents at the highest level.
While the recent trend of first-round knockouts may suggest Eersel enters every bout looking for an early stoppage, his original strategy for Jarvis was supposed to be a more patient one.
The Dutch-Surinamese superstar was prepared to bring the challenger into deep waters until the opportunity came early, which he took without hesitation.
“I didn’t expect this to go this fast. My game plan was to drag him to the fourth and fifth rounds, like the championship rounds, and get the finish there. But you know, when I see the opening, especially in the 4-ounce gloves, I will go for it.”
Eersel Welcomes More Challengers After Anniversary Knockout
Regian Eersel’s victory over George Jarvis at ONE Fight Night 34 also earned him a US$50,000 performance bonus from ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.
The moment was even more meaningful as it happened on his first wedding anniversary, and he planned to celebrate it with his wife after the event.
“I’m planning to spend the bonus on my family. Actually, today’s my anniversary, the first year I’m married. So, I think I’m gonna buy my wife a little present and go on a holiday or something, and then back to work.”
Even while celebrating, Eersel is keeping his eyes on the road ahead. He isn’t one to call out opponents, but he made it clear that if other World Champions want to face him, they’ll need to meet him on his terms.
With names like ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai, ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon, and newly crowned ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nabil Anane standing tall in neighboring weight classes, Eersel offered an open invitation – but only if they’re willing to move up to his division.
The lightweight Muay Thai king explained:
“If they can come up to my weight class, it will be awesome.
“I would love to welcome them to the big boys.”
