George Jarvis believes the time has come to take the throne from one of ONE Championship’s longest-reigning kings.
The 25-year-old Briton challenges Suriname’s Regian Eersel for the lightweight Muay Thai title in the main event of ONE Fight Night 34 on Saturday morning in Bangkok.
“Loads of respect – he’s pound-for-pound one of the best in ONE,” Jarvis told the Bangkok Post. “But now it’s my time. He’s still dangerous, but it’s time for a new king.”
Jarvis prepared for the biggest fight of his career at Lammai Muay Thai on Koh Samui – a decision he believes has unlocked another level in his game.
“I made the right decision coming out here early,” he said. “Everyone here is on the ball – I’m picking up new skills and I’m excited.”
The fight was originally scheduled to take place in Denver, Jarvis revealed – but a change in location brought the title bout back to familiar territory at Lumpinee Stadium, where he has built his name over the past couple of years.
“I was gutted at first – it’s always been a dream to fight in America,” he said. “But coming out here for camp and then fighting somewhere familiar made more sense. I think it worked out for the best.”
Jarvis also brought his family with him to Thailand to maintain focus and avoid distractions.
“I wanted to bring home with me so I wouldn’t have a reason to go back or regret the decision,” he said. “We’re loving life out here.”
It’s been a rapid rise for the Crawley native, who spent years balancing a full-time job with training. Now, just months after his last win at Lumpinee, he’s within striking distance of gold.
“Fans know what I bring,” he said. “I’ve been training my absolute body off – I’m ready. I’m coming to take that belt, for sure.”
George Jarvis celebrates a decision win over Mouhcine Chafi at ONE Fight Night 30
Eersel, 32, has largely held the lightweight kickboxing belt since 2019 – it is currently vacant, after he lost it on the scale in April – and added the Muay Thai crown in 2022.
But Jarvis sees an edge in the rule set.
“People forget he’s a kickboxer. This is Muay Thai,” he said. “He’s used to big gloves and blocking damage – you can’t do that here. We’ve got something planned.”
If he wins, Jarvis wants to chase the now-vacant kickboxing title next – and would be open to running it back with Eersel.
“I’m ready to fight Regian a few times. Beat him, knock him out – he’ll want a rematch,” he said. “I want the kickboxing belt too. Let’s focus on this one first, but after that? I want it all.”
He also reiterated his call for ONE to introduce official rankings at lightweight for both Muay Thai and kickboxing.
“All the other divisions have them,” he said. “It’s not just for us – it’s for the fans. They need to know who’s next in line.”
A simmering rivalry with Alexis Nicolas – who took the kickboxing belt off Eersel in April 2024, before losing it back six months later – could be waiting down the line. But Jarvis brushed off recent comments from the French striker.
“He said he’ll stop me in two rounds? That’s delusional,” he said. “He’s a kickboxer, I’m a Muay Thai fighter. Let’s see who’s still standing after this.”
The 25-year-old Briton challenges Suriname’s Regian Eersel for the lightweight Muay Thai title in the main event of ONE Fight Night 34 on Saturday morning in Bangkok.
“Loads of respect – he’s pound-for-pound one of the best in ONE,” Jarvis told the Bangkok Post. “But now it’s my time. He’s still dangerous, but it’s time for a new king.”
Jarvis prepared for the biggest fight of his career at Lammai Muay Thai on Koh Samui – a decision he believes has unlocked another level in his game.
“I made the right decision coming out here early,” he said. “Everyone here is on the ball – I’m picking up new skills and I’m excited.”
The fight was originally scheduled to take place in Denver, Jarvis revealed – but a change in location brought the title bout back to familiar territory at Lumpinee Stadium, where he has built his name over the past couple of years.
“I was gutted at first – it’s always been a dream to fight in America,” he said. “But coming out here for camp and then fighting somewhere familiar made more sense. I think it worked out for the best.”
Jarvis also brought his family with him to Thailand to maintain focus and avoid distractions.
“I wanted to bring home with me so I wouldn’t have a reason to go back or regret the decision,” he said. “We’re loving life out here.”
It’s been a rapid rise for the Crawley native, who spent years balancing a full-time job with training. Now, just months after his last win at Lumpinee, he’s within striking distance of gold.
“Fans know what I bring,” he said. “I’ve been training my absolute body off – I’m ready. I’m coming to take that belt, for sure.”
George Jarvis celebrates a decision win over Mouhcine Chafi at ONE Fight Night 30
Eersel, 32, has largely held the lightweight kickboxing belt since 2019 – it is currently vacant, after he lost it on the scale in April – and added the Muay Thai crown in 2022.
But Jarvis sees an edge in the rule set.
“People forget he’s a kickboxer. This is Muay Thai,” he said. “He’s used to big gloves and blocking damage – you can’t do that here. We’ve got something planned.”
If he wins, Jarvis wants to chase the now-vacant kickboxing title next – and would be open to running it back with Eersel.
“I’m ready to fight Regian a few times. Beat him, knock him out – he’ll want a rematch,” he said. “I want the kickboxing belt too. Let’s focus on this one first, but after that? I want it all.”
He also reiterated his call for ONE to introduce official rankings at lightweight for both Muay Thai and kickboxing.
“All the other divisions have them,” he said. “It’s not just for us – it’s for the fans. They need to know who’s next in line.”
A simmering rivalry with Alexis Nicolas – who took the kickboxing belt off Eersel in April 2024, before losing it back six months later – could be waiting down the line. But Jarvis brushed off recent comments from the French striker.
“He said he’ll stop me in two rounds? That’s delusional,” he said. “He’s a kickboxer, I’m a Muay Thai fighter. Let’s see who’s still standing after this.”
