“They’re like fathers to me” – Regian Eersel shares his connection with longtime coaches Paul and Vincent Pengel

During his illustrious career in ONE Championship, Regian Eersel always had the valuable guidance of two formidable mentors. These two individuals are the Pengel brothers, who are both coaches.

The pair has consistently been by Eersel’s side and the dual-sport titleholder has formed such a strong bond with them that he views them as fatherly figures.

During an interview with ONE Championship, Regian Eersel openly acknowledged the Pengel Brothers as his constant advisors, even going as far as playfully referring to them as “grandpas”due to their many years of coaching him.

“They are like my second family. They’re like fathers to me. I have three fathers now. They have become old, I call them now grandpas. But yeah, man, we have a good connection. We talk about almost everything and they have their heart in a good place. I trust them with my life. So that’s the kind of relationship we have.”

Despite being viewed as an invincible force in the ring or the Circle, Eersel acknowledges that much of his success is due to his coaches.

Under the guidance of the Pengel Brothers, ‘The Immortal’ was molded into the ONE lightweight Muay Thai and kickboxing world champion, and also achieved a flawless 10-0 record in ONE Championship.

At the historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, Eersel will once again rely on the brothers’ wisdom as he defends his lightweight kickboxing throne against Alexis Nicolas at ONE Fight Night 21 this Friday.

The ONE lightweight kickboxing world title, as well as the entire ONE Fight Night 21 event, featuring the Surinamese superstar’s fifth title defense, can be watched live and at no cost by all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.

Anticipating a fierce showdown: Regian Eersel vs. Alexis Nicolas

Regian Eersel left no stone unturned in his preparation for his upcoming bout against Alexis Nicolas. The undefeated French fighter holds a perfect 23-0 record and most recently secured a dominant unanimous decision victory over Magomed Magomedov in January.

Eersel informed ONE Championship that he has knowledge of Nicolas’ achievements and has no intention of underestimating the ISKA world champion.

“I think we are both gonna secure a lot of points and throw lots of combinations. And I hope I’m gonna catch him. But in my mind, I’m preparing for the five rounds of war,”he said.