Eersel Steps in to Fight Nattawut at Lion Fight 29

For a while, it seemed as though reigning Lion Fight super welterweight champion “Smokin’” Jo Nattawut was not going to get a chance to put his immense talent on display at Lion Fight 29 as initially planned. After original opponent Yodpayak Sitsongpeenong pulled out for failing a pre-fight medical test, replacement foe Armin Pumpanmuang failed an eye exam. Finally, Nattawutt has another willing adversary: Regian Eersel.

Like Melvin Manhoef and Tyrone Spong, Eersel (15-4) is a Surinamese-Dutch fighter who brings the heat when he climbs through the ropes. “The Immortal” is coming off of sensational knockout wins over Khalid Bourdif and Wang Anying and will contest Nattawut (56-5-2) in a non-title bout in the middleweight division.

Lion Fight 29 will see another lineup change as Diego Llamas (7-2) will fight PJ Sweda (1-0) in a welterweight encounter, replacing Brian Del Rosario who is sidelined with a hand injury.

Also on the Lion Fight 29 marquee will be a lightweight clash between Ognjen Topic and Dechsakda Sitsongpeenong; Julio Pena versus Travis Clay at lightweight; featherweight John Nofer taking on Jared Tipton; and Asa Ten Pow opposing Bryce Lawrence at super lightweight.

Lion Fight 29 goes down live on AXS TV starting at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on May 27. The action will be held inside the Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Mashantucket, Conn.