Regian Eersel, Atsushi Onari, Nieky Holzken (©ONE Championship)

Regian “The Immortal” Eersel, 26, successfully defended his reigning ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Championship belt at “ONE: Dawn of Valor.” He was challenged by his countryman Nieky “The Natural” Holzken, 35, in the ONE Championship event that took place at the Istora Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta, Indonesia on October 25, 2019.

“ONE: Dawn of Valor” featured 13 mixed martial arts bouts and three ONE Super Series contests, which are two kickboxing contests and one Muay Thai fight. The co-main event of the evening was the rematch between Eersel and Holzken.

Atsushi Onari served as the referee of the rematch. A knockdown in the first round gave Eersel a 10-8 edge early, as a furious pace was set by the champion.

For five full rounds, Eersel kept up the pressure, keeping a constant barrage of boxing combinations, thudding kicks and sharp knees. Although Holzken tried his best to match the champion’s activity, he found absolutely no quarter for the entirety of the bout.

After five three-minute rounds, the title bout was left in the hands of the judges. In the end, Onari raised the hand of the Dutch-Surinamese kickboxer, who was declared the winner via unanimous decision.

Winning at “ONE: Dawn of Valor” improved the professional kickboxing and Muay Thai record of Eersel to 55 wins and 4 losses. On the other hand, Holzken now holds a professional kickboxing record of 92 wins and 16 losses.

Aside from the Netherlands, 14 other countries were represented at “ONE: Dawn of Valor” namely Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Indonesia, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, Sweden, Tajikistan, Timor Leste and the United States. Eersel and Holzken were among the three fighters who represented the Netherlands.

Eersel trains out of Sityodtong Amsterdam while Holzken represented Team Holzken Helmon. Here is a recap of “ONE: Dawn of Valor” from Michael Schiavello and Mitch “The Dragon” Chilson: